SOUTHEND Saxons’ Sam Fombo is keen to ruin Jimmy Tucker’s first game in charge of rock bottom Launceston tomorrow.

The Cornwall club have changed their coaching set up after losing their opening their opening nine games of the National Two season.

And Fombo believes the alterations could make for a tougher test this weekend.

“I'm expecting a bit of a fight at Launceston,” said Fombo.

“Yes, they're in a relegation battle but they've changed their coach so maybe the players might decide to turn up for this game.

“But I'm sure we'll put them back into their place though.”

In contrast to Launceston, Southend have been beaten in just three of their opening nine matches.

That sees them sitting eighth in the table.

And Fombo has been encouraged by the start to the season.

“We’ve been doing well,” said the 22-year-old back row “A lot of people outside of the team thought we'd be in a lower position than where we are and so did I to be honest.

“But now we are sitting mid table and think we should be well above where we are now.”

However, Southend are still just six points behind fifth placed Bishop’s Stortford.

And Fombo believes Saxons are capable of soon closing that gap.

“I don’t see why we couldn’t finish in the top five this season,” said Fombo.

“Everyone is a lot more switched on and if we cut down our silly mistakes, which other teams always seem to take advantage of, we'll be up there.”

Southend will be missing top try scorer Iain Meads this weekend, centre Sonny Gay and winger Billy Driver.

However, the experienced Kris Chesney is back on the bench after recovering from an Achilles problem while winger Chris Bolton is set to make his first start for Saxons.