SOUTHEND Saxons starlet George Griffiths is keen to build on his first team debut.

The 17-year-old came off the bench during Southend’s 23-18 defeat at Shelford in National Three London & SE.

And the Seevic College student is now determined to make the necessary improvements in order for him to sample more senior rugby.

“It was great that I made my debut for the first team against Shelford,” said Griffiths.

“But it was such a hard game and it showed me how much higher the standard is to anything else I’ve played before.

“It’s certainly given me something to aim for in the future and that’s definitely what I’ll be doing.

“Obviously the result was disappointing for everyone.

“But we just have to look forward to the next game now.”

Southend - who sit sixth in the National Three London & SE standings - host seventh placed Dorking at Warners Bridge this weekend.

And Griffiths is eager for the team to get back to winning ways.

“I know the team had been doing well and had gone a few wins in a row before the Shelford game so hopefully Saturday can be the start of another good run,” said the young centre who can also play on the wing.

“I’m not too sure whether or not I’ll be involved again at the weekend.

“But I enjoy playing rugby for Southend and I’m certainly looking forward to the future with them.

“Hopefully that can eventually be the first team on a regular basis.

“That’s definitely what I’m working towards right now like all the young players we have here.”

However, Griffiths - who has been a regular in the second team this term - is also keen to keep on impressing in a strong Seevic side this season.

And he hopes to be able to help the Thundersley based college secure more success and build on their strong start to the current campaign.

“My hopes for the rest of the season are to play as much rugby as I can and to get to the highest level possible,” said Griffiths.

“With Seevic rugby I want to carry on the momentum we have going with us at the minute.

“I feel this year we have a really strong squad and will challenge anything we have done before.

“But we have to take it game by game and play as well as we have been because I still feel there are areas to improve on so we can definitely still get better.

“It’s exciting and we’re all looking forward to what’s coming up.”