SOUTHEND Saxons surged out of the National Two South relegation zone with a 25-10 win against Worthing at Warners Bridge on Saturday.

The hard fought victory ended a run of six successive defeats for Southend and delighted their replacement prop forward Craig Strachan who bagged a try just seconds after entering the action.

“It was very pleasing to get a try because I don't get many so was a nice feeling,” said the 22-year-old.

“It was my first touch as well about a minute after coming on but it was even better that we were able to win the game.

“It was very important to get the victory because we had slipped into the relegation zone and that’s the last place we want to be.”

However, Southend’s victory moved them up to 13th in the standings.

And Strachan is confident Strachan will be able to build on their first win since early December.

“This win will give everybody some confidence and we have a lot of winnable games coming up so hopefully we can go on a good run,” said the prop forward.

“The team can definitely push on the talent we have we should be competing at the top not worrying about at the bottom.”

Southend handed debuts to new signings winger Reuben Haile and back row Ryan Kirkbride and went in front after just four minutes with a penalty from Brad Burr.

Worthing replied with a penalty of their own from Mathew McLean before Saxons regained the lead with a try from Chris Shields which was converted by Burr to make it 10-3.

Worthing, who sit ninth in the standings, then suffered two yellow cards in quick succession as Matthew Farnes and Luke Elliott were both sent to the sin bin.

Southend stayed on top after their departures but were not able to score until Worthing were back to full strength as Strachan collected an excellent pass from scrum half Jack Daly to score.

Burr’s conversion made it 15-3 at half-time before Saxons scored again 10 minutes into the second period when Daly’s fine kick forward enabled captain Mark Billings to score.

Four minutes later, Worthing’s Liam Perkins also touched down after a penalty decision had been reversed and McLean again added the extras.

However, Southend replied with a penalty from Burr before Chris Green’s side defended superbly late on to ensure they returned to winning ways.

Southend Saxons: Billings, Cleare, Vaughan, Gay, Haile, Burr, Daly, Bailey, Bloomberg, Bevans-Royston, Chesney, Kirkbride, Fombo, Twight

Replacements: Strachan, Ferrier, Barker, Ashton & Hoadley