BEN Murphy is keen to help Southend Saxons make it four wins in a row when they head to Shelford in National Three London & SE this afternoon.

The 20-year-old made his first start for Southend in last Saturday’s 34-12 win against Guernsey.

And Murphy - who played at centre in the victory - now has his sights set on further success as Saxons look to climb further up the table.

“It was amazing to get off to a solid start with a new team but everyone wants to carry this on now,” said Murphy.

“I could really see the emotion and how much it meant to the players to win three in a row.

“But now we want four and we’re playing a Shelford side who are positioned just below us in the table which suggests it’s going to be a close game.

“However, we have players wanting to make an impression which should work in our favour and we are definitely capable of beating them.”

Southend’s recent winning run has taken them up to sixth in the table.

And Murphy, who joined Saxons from Colchester, already feels firmly settled in his new surroundings.

“I’m enjoying being at Southend,” said Murphy.

“Last Saturday was my first start for the Saxons but before that I had played three matches including one against Colchester my previous side and local rivals.

“The matches have been a good standard so far and have been enjoyable to play in.

“The crowds have been good with a large number of people attending which is always a good buzz when running onto the pitch so I’m looking forward to the matches we have coming up, starting with Saturday.”

However, despite that level of enjoyment, Murphy admitted it had been a difficult decision to leave Colchester.

“It’s a fantastic club there with friendly people and a fast playing rugby style so my decision to move was hard,” explained Murphy.

“It was not easy to leave after the many years I had been with them.

“But new challenges arose and a squad position at a recent national two club was there for me to take.

“Of course it’s always hard adapting to a new club, but it has brought new opportunities and has been a challenge which I’ve embraced.

“Hopefully we can keep on doing well and finish as high up the table as possible.”