Mitch Bennett bags first try for Southend Saxons but it can't stop them suffering defeat at Redruth

The 19-year-old winger touched down during the second half in Cornwall. But his joy was cut short by the final score-line which Bennett felt was unfair reflection of the game.

“I don’t think it was a fair result because we were dominant throughout the whole game,” said the Rayleigh-based youngster.

“Unfortunately, we made silly mistakes which led to Redruth scoring or us failing to score a try but I do believe we should have won.”

Southend dominated spells of the game but were still forced to make the long journey home empty handed.

However, Bennett was left with mixed emotions after also being delighted to have score a try.

“For me to score my first try for Southend’s first team was a very pleasing moment,” said Bennett.

“The fact I did it in their ‘hellfire corner’ made it an even more memorable moment that will not be forgotten.

“It was a shame the result didn’t go our way but it was always to be a tough match there as they always get a good crowd behind them.

Sam Fombo wins the ball for Southend

“But it’s still very early in the season and we seem to have a lot of talent in the team now which I think is really exciting.”

Redruth’s head coach Stuart Larkins admitted after at the final whistle that Southend should have taken more from the game.

However, it was the home-side who started brightly with flanker Ben Priddey touching down for a try Murray Westren converted before also kicking a penalty.

But, with Redruth down to 14 men with Priddey in the sin bin, Southend replied with a try from Chris Vaughan which was converted by Brad Burr.

Redruth hit back with Tom Cowan-Dickie touching down for a try Westren converted to put the hosts 17-7 in front at half-time.

Scrum half Jack Daley kicks the ball clear for Southend

Redruth went further ahead after the break, with tries from Brett Rule and Alex Ducker, before Bennett pulled an unconverted try back for Southend.

Saxons were handed a further boost when referee Calum Osborne dished out three yellow cards in the space of eight minutes to reduce Redruth to just 12 men.

Southend soon added another try from skipper Harry Hudson but they were unable to add more points as the home-side defended brilliantly before Westren sealed the victory with a late drop goal.

Southend: Meads, Bennett, Gay, Vaughan, Cleare, Burr, Daley, Bailey, Grier, Bevans-Royston, Needham, Barker, Fombo, Hudson, Twight.

Replacements: Ashton, Branch, Day-White, Strachan.