NATIONAL TWO SOUTH

Clifton...............................................51

Southend Saxons............................18

 

SOUTHEND Saxons new boy Jy-mel Coleman felt Saturday’s clash at Clifton was far closer than the 51-18 score-line suggested.

Coleman lined up at fly-half after completing a switch to Southend on the eve of Saturday’s National Two South clash.

But he was unable to get the Saxons back to winning ways.

“It was a good tough game which wasn’t quite reflected in the score line,” said Coleman, 26.

“We could have built on our lead early on and the story could have been different but credit to Clifton because they were clinical and showed great desire to dig deep and then kick on and win.

“We will learn from it though and not make the same errors next time.”

Coleman came to Southend having previously played rugby league for a host of clubs including Hemel Stags and Keighley Cougars.

But he does not find switching codes too difficult.

“It’s not too much of a hard transition,” said Coleman.

“Some things are quite similar and others are harder to grasp.

“However, I did play union all the way through school as well as league, so it’s not completely alien to me.”

Coleman has agreed a short-term deal with the Saxons which will keep him at the club until Christmas.

And he hopes to be able to secure some success for the side during that time.

“I’m just hoping I can add something to the team and prove to them that I’m an asset,” said Coleman.

“I want to help them push up the table too.”

Saturday’s defeat saw Southend slip down to 12th in the standings, despite them making a bright start.

Brad Burr kicked two early penalties and back row Adam Ferrier also bagged a try but Saxons trailed 23-13 at half-time.

Clifton started the second half with three further tries before Southend hooker Marcus Bloomberg bagged a late consolation for the visitors with his first try of the season.

Southend: Billings, Driver, Burr, Webb, Nash, Coleman, Taylor, Fardell, Bloomberg, Bevans-Royston, Fombo, Jackson, Ferrier, Kellard, Hudson Replacements: Day-White, Smith, Wood, Pollard & Bennett.