SOUTHEND Saxons ended a run of six successive defeats with a 24-12 win against Amersham & Chiltern in National Three London & SE on Saturday.

The victory moved 11th placed Southend eight points clear of the relegation zone and delighted new head coach Danny Cleare who was thrilled to win his first game in charge.

“The win was essential and the manner of how we finished it off was also pleasing,” said Cleare.

“We kept our composure and had to grind it out against a determined and stubborn team.

“But the attitude of the players has been good all week and that carried into the game which was good to see.”

Southend trailed 12-11 at half-time but were able to hit back after the break.

And seeing 17-year-old winger George Griffiths score his first try for the first team also delighted Cleare.

“George was outstanding all game and was a constant threat,” said Cleare, who also coaches the youngster at Seevic College.

“I’m so pleased for him and it was nothing less than he deserved.

“He was unfortunate not to score early on as he fumbled on their five metre line so it took great character after that error to play as well as he did.”

Southend started strongly and went in front after just five minutes when Brad Burr successfully kicked a penalty.

The hosts then came close to extending their lead when Griffiths was bundled into touch just short of the line before Amersham hit back with winger Lloyd Anderson scoring the first try of the game.

Full-back Andrew Fluker added the conversion but Southend were not behind for long as Tom Ashton teed up winger Jaid Wiltshire to score.

Burr then added a penalty before Amersham replied with a try from number eight Jordan Scott to lead 12-11 at half-time.

The first 27 minutes of the second half went without a point being scored before Saxons went back in front with another penalty from Burr.

Moments later, Amersham’s Davey Aremu was yellow carded for tackling Wiltshire in the air and Southend immediately took advantage when captain Marcus Bloomberg bundled through to score a crucial try.

Two minutes from time, Saxons made sure of the win when Griffiths spotted a gap in the visitors’ line and darted into space.

The teenager then flung a pass out wide to the supporting Chris Vaughan who then returned the ball back to Griffiths to score a memorable try.

The Saxons will now be looking to build on the win at Wimbledon this weekend.

Southend Saxons: Ashton, Wiltshire, Ngaluafe, Vaughan, Griffiths, Burr, Gould, Strachan, Bloomberg, Bailey, Court-Rhind, Smith, Fombo, Shields, Leavasa.

Replacements: Forster-Knight, Kellard & Friswell