HAYDEN Smith bagged his first senior try to help Southend Saxons fight back to secure an entertaining 34-34 draw with high-flying Clifton at Warners Bridge on Saturday.

The Hullbridge based 19-year-old came off the bench as the Saxons came back from 21-7 down at half-time to ensure the game ended all square.

But Smith was frustrated not to have won the game.

“We was disappointed to have only got the draw,” said the former Seevic College pupil.

“We felt we were the dominant team and we definitely have the ability to have beaten them.

“One too many mistakes just made winning a little bit harder.

“But to have come back from 21-7 down at half time, shows great character from the team.”

Clifton, who started the day in second place, were reduced to 14 men in the 21st minute when number eight Alfie Vaeluaga Tooala was dismissed for throwing a punch.

However, they were still able to secure a 28-12 advantage midway through the second half before Smith’s try helped Southend get back into the game.

And Smith was thrilled to have opened his account.

“It was great to finally get off the mark,” said the former Rochford Hundred youth player.

“I scored a couple in pre-season, but that was my first national league try which I’m really pleased with.

“But I have to thank Brad Burr really because he did all the hard work.

“I just happened to be in the right place to get on the end of his offload but without doubt a try is a try and I'll certainly take it.”

Clifton broke the deadlock at the weekend with Bradley Barnes converting his own try before Southend hit back with Iain Meads touching down for the sixth time this season.

Brad Burr kicked the conversion to level the scores before 14 man Clifton raced back in front with converted tries from Callum Roberts and Elias Caven putting them 21-7 ahead at half-time.

After the break, Saxons hit back with a try from Harry Hudson before Clifton replied with scrum half Andrew Uren touching down to make it 28-12.

However, Southend soon stepped things up with Jason Fardell scoring a try Burr converted but Clifton replied with a drop goal from Barnes which made it 31-19 with just 13 minutes remaining.

Smith then took centre stage by scoring the first try of his career and Burr again added the extras.

Saxons’ Dutch number eight Krijn Twight then also touched down to level the scores at 31-31.

Clifton dug deep to immediately go back in front with a penalty from Barnes.

But, just two minutes from time, Burr also kicked a penalty to secure a draw for Southend who remain eighth in the table.

Southend: Meads, Billings, Gay, Vaughan, Cleare, Burr, Daly, Strachan, Grier, Bevans-Royston, Legge, Chesney, Hudson, Morrison, Twight.

Replacements: Bailey, Fardell, Smith, Ashton & Driver