SOUTHEND Saxons centre Rob Baynes enjoyed a first team debut remember against Colchester on Saturday - 13 years after first joining the club.

Baynes kicked eight points in the Saxons’ 18-16 win at Warners Bridge.

And he was delighted to be able to help Southend got their National Three London & SE season back on track.

“It was a tough battle but the boys fought hard to grind out the win and I was relieved in the end that my last kick went over,” said Baynes.

“We know there’s still a lot to work on and we need to improve our discipline for the next match against Chichester.

“But to win the way we did showed real character.

“And from a personal point of view it was great to cap off my debut with a win.”

Gary Andrews and Jaid Wiltshire both bagged tries in the victory as Southend triumphed in their first game since Chris Green stepped down as the club’s director of rugby.

And Baynes was delighted to continue a long family tradition by lining up for the first team.

“Making my debut was unbelievable,” said Baynes.

“Southend is my childhood club and my first ever game of rugby was for Southend when I was 11 years old.

“I also remember as a child watching my father and uncle playing for the first team.

“My grandfather also played for the club 60 or so years ago so Southend Rugby Club really is in my blood.”

However, Baynes was not sure if he would ever get to make the step up from the second team himself after being struck down by a number of injuries.

“I’ve had so many serious injuries in the last few years and it was doubtful I would play seriously again,” said Baynes.

“To make my debut was an incredibly proud moment and I hope there will be many more games to come.”

That would also enable Baynes to fulfill the potential he showed as a young player on a scholarship at Millfield School where he lined up alongside several England internationals.

“I was lucky enough to play at a decent schoolboy level while attending Millfield School in Somerset,” said Baynes, who lives in Rochford.

“I was there at the same time as current England internationals Jonathan Joseph, Mako Vunipola and Henry Thomas, as well as Ireland international Rhys Ruddock which was great.

“Saturday’s game was certainly a step up from the level I have been playing recently whilst returning from my injuries and I hope to be able to build on it.”

The victory also moved Southend up to ninth in the table.

Saxons are without a game this weekend.

Southend: Cleare, Wiltshire, Baynes, Ngaluafe, Andrews, Vaughan, Gould, Day-White, Bloomberg, Bailey, Court-Rhind, Kirkbride, Shields, Morrison, Leavasa

Replacements: Shiels, O’Brien & Murphy