SOUTHEND’S National Two South campaign came to a disappointing end with a 31-12 defeat against Dings Crusaders at Warners Bridge on Saturday.

The reverse meant the Seasiders finished ninth in the standings.

But director of rugby Chris Green was frustrated by the below-par display.

“We didn’t play very well at all and we got exactly what we deserved to be honest,” said Green.

“It was a disappointing way to finish but it’s still been a satisfactory season for us.

“We have improved and progressed from what we achieved the year before and now we need to kick on and make sure we do even better next season.”

Dings took just three minutes to go ahead at the weekend, with back row Matthew Lane touching down for a try which went unconverted.

Moments later, the Seasiders suffered another blow when their back row Sam Fombo was yellow-carded.

The visitors immediately took advantage with a try from second row Rhys Lockwell which made it 10-0.

Winger James Oakley then also touched down but the Seasiders hit back in the 37th minute with full-back Mark Billings scoring a try which Brad Burr converted.

That cut Dings’ lead to 15-7 at half-time and Southend opened the scoring in the second half with Fombo scoring a try to cut the visitors’ lead to just three points.

But a penalty from Mark Woodow soon put Dings further ahead before a converted try from Rob Dempsey made it 25-12.

Woodrow then kicked two penalties in the closing stages to seal victory for Dings and make it a frustrating final day for Southend.