SOUTHEND made it three wins in a row for the first time this season by beating Chinnor 27-25 in National Two South on Saturday.

The Seasiders found themselves 13-3 down at the break.

But they fought back well during the second half at Warners Bridge to leave their director of rugby Chris Green a happy man at the final whistle.

“We had an excellent 15 to 20 minute spell in the second half which won us the game and made it three victories in a row for the first time this season,” said Green.

“We had some great runs towards the start of the year but never managed to get to three wins, so we’re really pleased about that.

“Being honest we’re still searching for a higher level of performance but getting results is what matters most so we’re certainly not complaining especially as Chinnor are now a much stronger side than they were earlier on in the season.”

Southend are now eighth in the league table, However they started slowly at the weekend with visiting fly-half William Millett scoring a try which he also converted to put his side 7-0.

The Seasiders replied with a penalty from Brad Burr before Millett continued his bright start to the game with two more penalties to put Chinnor 13-3 up at half-time.

But Southend started the second period strongly with scrum half Harry Branch scoring a try for the second week in succession.

Burr added the conversion and, just five minutes later, winger Danny Cleare also touched down.

Burr again added the extras to put Southend 17-13 in front before he kicked a penalty to extend his side’s lead even further.

A try from full-back Mark Billings and another Burr conversion then put the hosts even further in front before Chinnor staged a late fight-back.

Jack Hayes and Matthew Goode both bagged tries but Millett could crucially only add one conversions as the Seasiders clung on to secure a narrow victory.

But the win came at a cost as replacement prop forward Aston Bevans-Royston fractured him arm late on and will now miss the rest of the season.

“It’s a blow because we would’ve been looking to use Aston a bit more in the games we had left,” said Green.

“He won’t play again this season, but Jason Fardell is a very good player and he will now get his chance.”

Southend now sit just three points behind seventh placed Taunton who they travel to this weekend.