NATIONAL TWO SOUTH

Redingensians 26, Southend Saxons 21

HAYDEN Smith believes Southend Saxons can still work their way out of trouble – despite suffering another huge setback at Redingensians on Saturday.

Southend slumped to a 26-21 defeat after making an incredibly sloppy start to the National Two South clash.

But Smith – who was among the try scorers for Saxons – believes Southend can still avoid relegation, even though they now sit nine points from safety.

“We have to keep believing we can get out of this, there’s no room for doubt,” said the 20-year-old back row.

“If we get one win we are in touching distance again but it’s going to be a tight one to the end of the season.

“However, we have pulled off some amazing results against big sides before like against Henley last year and we have to be confident we can do the same this year too.”

Southend, who remain second from bottom in the standings, had been hopeful of securing a victory at the weekend.

But they were punished for a shocking start which saw them fall 26-0 down before they began to mount a comeback.

And Smith remains gutted to have suffered another defeat.

“Saturday’s loss was a really hard defeat to take,” said the youngster.

“Getting the win would have meant so much to us but our poor start to the game made it one step too far for us despite the effort of the boys.

“We ended up being the only team playing rugby.

“Redingensians slowed the game down when they had the ball and it disrupted our rhythm, making it incredibly frustrating for us.”

Southend will now have to wait before bidding to bounce back as they are without a fixture this weekend.

However, the following Saturday they travel to Dorking who sit immediately above them in the standings.

And Smith believes it is a must win game for Saxons.

“The Dorking game is all or nothing now,” said Smith.

“We either man up and battle against them to get the result we need or we roll over and give them a chance to boost their survival hopes.

“I’m confident in which outcome we will have and this break will give us a chance to recharge after a tough game on Saturday.”

Southend will also be hoping to show the form they displayed in the latter stages at Redingensians.

Fly-half Brad Burr bagged himself two tries and three conversions as he scored 16 of Saxons’ points while Smith also touched down to complete the scoring.

Southend Saxons: Meads, Billings, Gay, Vaughan, Haile, Burr, Daly, Bailey, Bloomberg, Fardell, Morrison, Smith, Whatling, Shields, Fombo

Replacements: Day-White, Kirkbride, Legge, Cleare & Ashton