TOM Ashton held his nerve to secure Southend Saxons a 17-15 win against local rivals Westcliff at Warners Bridge on Saturday.

The Southend fly-half kicked a 78th minute penalty to ensure a narrow National Three London & SE victory for the home-side.

But, despite the importance of the kick, Ashton was able to keep his cool.

“I don’t really feel pressure as I’m quite a laid back character,” said Ashton.

“I am able to just focus on the task ahead of me and forget the situation I am in.

“Of course, it was great to get the crucial kick to secure the win for the team.

“But it’s a team game and every one has individual roles within that team and each one is just as important.

“I’m just lucky kicking goals is one of my roles.”

A bumper crowd was in attendance to watch the first ever league meeting between the two teams.

And Ashton felt the game was typical of a local derby.

“The game was full of passion and desire but was also littered with mistakes and tension like most derbies,” said Ashton.

“The win was important and everyone involved was pleased with the result but we were not too impressed with our performance.

“We have a lot to work on.

“But I’m confident we can build from here and get stronger as the season goes on.”

Ashton fired Southend in front with an early penalty at the weekend before Westcliff hit back with one of their own from the returning Jack Jones who then added another three points to put the visitors 6-3 in front.

Ashton levelled the scores with another penalty on the half hour mark before Westcliff regained the lead just before the break with a further penalty from Jones, who was facing his former side.

However, Southend hit back at the start of the second half as Chris Shields made the most of a lapse of concentration in the visitors’ defence and powered through to score the only try of the game.

Westcliff brushed aside the setback and regained a 12-11 lead with another penalty from Jones heading into the final 10 minutes.

A further exchange of penalties between Ashton and Jones saw Westcliff leading 15-14 with just two minutes of the match remaining when Southend were awarded a penalty after scrum-half Harry Branch had been adjudged offside in defence.

The Westcliff skipper was also yellow carded before Ashton successfully added the three points.

But the drama was not over yet as in the dying seconds Westcliff were awarded a very kickable penalty of their own.

However, Jones - who had previously landed five from five - sent his effort wide of the left post as Southend hung on to their narrow lead to secure their first victory of the season.