IT was pleasing to get the win and the performance we all wanted against Lydney at the weekend.

We stuck to the game plan which is always crucial and we did the basics well too.

If you can do that then the rest takes care of itself and we were we were able to do that for the full 80 minutes.

That’s something we hadn’t been doing in the earlier games and we were getting punished for sloppy 10 or 15 minute spells which were costing us results.

But Saturday was much better.

Credit must go to Tom Ashton because he kicked well in difficult conditions as it was quite breezy.

He kept getting three points here and three points there, but our scrum half Rhys Powell also kicked well to secure yardage which can often be as important as points.

It was great to see Chris Green back in action too.

He loves the club so much he’s willing to do anything to help it succeed and I think that inspires others.

He’s a fantastic coach and, after knowing him for many years, it was nice to be playing alongside him in the same team.

But the challenge for us all now is to make sure we build on this win and it isn’t a one off. Home games are important and we have another win against Worthing this weekend that we need to get a victory in.

Echo:

BEN FLOWER'S BAN IS A BIT HARSH

IT might be rugby league and not rugby union but it’s been interesting to hear the discussions surrounding Ben Flower’s six-month ban.

Ben picked up the lengthy suspension after he was sent off for Wigan Warriors after punching St Helens stand-off Lance Hohaia in the Super League Grand Final.

With it being such a high-profile game I think a lot was always going to be made of it, especially as it was obviously reported on heavily in the media.

In rugby, punches get thrown and those that miss don’t get punished even though they’ve swung an arm with every intention of making contact.

As far as Ben is concerned I can understand why the ban has been given, especially because of the second punch.

But when you take in to account everything that goes on during a game of rugby I think the ban is a little bit harsh.

SAXONS HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE

AS well as playing at Southend, I’m working with the under-16s at the club and it’s a role I’m really enjoying.

I coach them every Wednesday and they’ve only lost once so far this season.
My aim is to help bring players through from this group who will be able to go on to play in the senior side.

And I honestly believe that in a year or two some of the lads will be putting their hands up for first team selection so the future is bright for them and the club.