MICHAEL Guess is keen to boost Southend Saxons’ survival hopes with a successful return to Cambridge tomorrow.

The powerful prop forward spent a season at Volac Park before leaving in 2010.

And he is desperate to win against his former side this weekend as Southend bid to move further away from the relegation zone.

“With the position we’re in every game is must win and we have to approach it like our life depends on it,” said Guess.

“Tomorrow is no different and we need to get the result to further boost our league position.

“It will be nice to go back to Cambridge and see a few familiar faces, mainly among their fans.

“But we’re just focusing on ourselves and our own performance because if we get that right we know we’re capable of getting the result.”

Southend remain 13th in the National Two South standings but moved six points clear of the drop zone with a last gasp 22-21 win against Launceston last weekend.

And Guess was delighted to get the victory, along with his first try since opting to come out of retirement last month.

“It was happy days to see Brad get the kick at the end to win us the game but we felt as though it shouldn’t have come to that,” said the 31-year-old.

“We’re harsh on ourselves and felt as though we wasted some opportunities we should’ve done better with.

“Personally it was nice for me to get a try or meat pie as I call them but now we need to build on the result and pick up more points.”

That mission will continue at seventh placed Cambridge, who won 24-18 at Saxons’ main relegation rivals Lydney last weekend.

However, Guess hopes to be able to catch the home-side on an off day.

“Cambridge have been doing quite well lately but they’ve had an up and down season so hopefully they won’t be at their best against us,” said Guess.

“We know it will be a tough game whatever happens but we’re certainly capable of getting a result there.”

Influential back row Daniel Legge will also face his former club this weekend while captain Kris Chesney is available again after missing last weekend’s win with a one match ban.

Mark Billings, who has played at both full-back and on the wing this season, could also return but he faces a late check on his concussion.