SOUTHEND Saxons’ Sonny Gay confirmed his return to full fitness and form by scoring two tries in his side’s stunning 25-19 win at Dorking on Saturday.

The 24-year-old centre spent 14 months on the sidelines with a shoulder injury before his return to action just a few weeks ago.

And he was delighted to get back on to the score-sheet to help Saxons secure a vital victory in their fight to avoid relegation from National Two South.

“It was a massive win for us,” said Gay.

“Lydney, who are just below us, have won their last two games to put a lot of pressure on us and if we didn’t come away with the win we would've been in the drop zone.

“For me personally it was great to get on the score-sheet because it’s been a while since it happened.

“In fact, I actually can’t remember the last time I scored as it’s been that long which is quite embarrassing.

“But I need to score a few more now because we can’t be having Harry Hudson as the top try scorer!”

Southend’s unexpected victory pushed them up to 12th in the table and continued their fine run of the results against the top teams, something Gay believes will boost the side for the remainder of the season.

“It's a huge boost for us as we have beaten all the top sides now,” said Gay.

“It shows we can turn up and play we just need to be consistent with our performances now and take it one week at a time. “

However, despite the final score-line, it was second placed Dorking who started brightly at the weekend with scrum half Will Crow darting through to score a try Fraser Macdonald converted.

Southend hit back with two penalties from Brad Burr which cut Dorking’s lead to 7-6 at half-time but the hosts went further ahead at the start of the second half with Ryan Jeffrey touching down.

But Gay then took centre stage for Southend with two tries in quick succession, one of which was converted by Burr.

He was then able to run on to his own kick forward to score a try he also converted to put Southend 25-12 in front.

The hosts replied with a penalty try in the closing stages but Saxons stood strong to secure a vital victory.

But Chris Green’s side are now just two points above the drop zone and will need more good results during the remainder of the season if they are to maintain their National Two South status.

Southend Saxons: Burr, Nash, Gay, Vaughan, Driver, Ashton, Taylor, Fardell, Bloomberg, Bevans-Royston, Smith, Fombo, Hudson, Kellard, Legge.