SOUTHEND Saxons suffered a 41-25 defeat at Westcombe Park in their penultimate game of the London & SE Premier Division season.

Southend’s relegation had already been confirmed.

But skipper Ian Morrison was pleased with the spirit shown by side.

“It was a good first half, we kept the ball alive and played some exciting rugby,” said Morrison.

“In the second half, Westcombe Park showed real desire and some mistakes crept in on our part.

“But we stayed together through until the end and got a late try.

“We are showing a real togetherness which is exciting for next year.”

The defeat was Southend’s eighth in their last nine games and kept them second from bottom in the standings.

However, the win means Westcombe Park - who sit immediately above Southend in the standings - can still work their way out of trouble on the final day of the season this weekend.

Southend Saxons: Navas, Radzevicius, Griffiths, Short, O’Brien, Ramsey, Sprangers, Reeman, Forster-Knight, Bailey, Archer, Newton, Wagstaff, Morrison, Shields.

Replacements: Robinson, Campbell-Webster & Waskett.

>SOUTH Woodham Ferrers’ struggled continued in London One North with an 81-7 defeat at Colchester.

The setback was already relegated Woodham’s 20th in succession.

Thurrock are also struggling towards the foot of London One South and lost 32-19 to CS Rugby 1863 on Saturday