SOUTHEND Saxons slumped to a disappointing 37-12 defeat to struggling Redingensians at Warners Bridge on Saturday.

Saxons were well below par in the National Two South clash.

And the only bright spot on an otherwise frustrating afternoon was the second half display of 18-year-old Chris Shields.

The former FitzWimarc School pupil caught the eye during an excellent try scoring performance and is now keen to keep on impressing.

“It was the first game where I really felt as though I stepped up in the first team instead of being a nervous individual,” said the Rayleigh based back-row.

“It was great to get my first try for the team and to show the rest of the team what I can do.

“But it was really disappointing to lose the game.

“It was quite even until the final 20 minutes when they went away from us but hopefully now I can keep on playing well.

“Saturday was certainly good for my confidence and I want to try and push for a start now.”

Third from bottom Redingensians raced out of the blocks at the weekend and were 18-0 ahead within the opening half an hour.

Prop forward James Baker and winger Olly Poole both bagged tries while Luke Flower kicked two penalties and a conversion.

Southend hit back before the break with skipper Mark Billings touching down before Shields did likewise six minutes in to the second half.

Brad Burr added the conversion to cut Redingensians’ lead to 18-12 but Saxons were unable to continue the comeback.

The visitors’ Tom Vooght bagged a try on the hour mark before Ross Crame also touched down just six minutes later.

Flower added the extras and James Foxley completed a miserable afternoon for Southend by bagging a last minute try which Flower converted to send Saxons down to ninth in the standings.

Southend Saxons: Meads, Billings, Ashton, Vaughan, Cleare, Burr, Daly, Strachan, Grier, Bevans-Royston, Chesney, Barker, Smith, Hudson, Twight

Replacements: Bailey, Day-White, Shields, Driver & Hoadley