SOUTHEND Saxons will line up at Twickenham next weekend after a thrilling 32-22 victory against Royal Wootton Bassett.

Southend dug deep to triumph in an entertaining Papa John’s National Trophy semi-final at Warners Bridge.

And director of rugby Josh Ward was quick to praise his side’s 24th win in succession.

“It’s huge and the boys were heroic at times today,” said Ward.

“The attacking game we put together was excellent, the set-piece was good and some of the defensive sets, especially when down to 13, were huge.”

Southend never trailed throughout the afternoon and caused problems in attack with Tom Ramsey, Nick Horton, Tom Sly, Matt Wagstaff all scoring tries.

But Ward admitted the win was far from straight-forward.

“We knew today was going to be the toughest game of our season by far,” said Ward.

“They’ve had a similar form book to ourselves in the league with 21 wins in 22 games and they’re very mobile and physical.

“We knew we would need to play in the right areas and when we got opportunities we knew we needed to execute which I felt we did.”

However there were aspects of the first half which Ward was not pleased with.

“I’m disappointed with some of our discipline and ultimately their field position came off the back of three poor decisions from us but the defensive sets in the second half were heroic,” said Ward.

“It went on for 92 minutes and it’s testament to the boys and all the staff.

“I thought our front row was outstanding and the boys who came off the bench energised us too.”

That has set up Saturday’s final against Northampton Old Scouts who beat Selby 29-27 in their semi-final.

 

And Ward cannot wait to take Southend to the world famous home of English rugby.

“We dreamt of it at the start but it’s soon become a reality,” said Ward.

“The group has become more and more together and I’m just so happy for everyone here.”