SOUTHEND Saxons completed their National Three London & SE season with a 41-29 defeat at home to champions Tonbridge Juddians.

Saxons went into the game at Warners Bridge with safety secured after winning five games in succession.

But, despite being unable to extend their unbeaten run, Southend skipper Marcus Bloomberg was full of praise for the performance.

“We always knew that the game wasn’t going be an easy fixture but with the good run of form we had been on we had belief that we could upset the winners of the league,” said Bloomberg, who was among the Saxons’ try scorers.

“And for all but a 15 minute blip where we slipped off a few tackles and gave them too much space to run I thought we did well.

“We got punished during that period but I was happy with how we dominated the set piece like we have done all season.

“I’d have liked to seen if we had a full squad out how things may have been different but full credit to all the boys on the park because they never give up and we come away with a point.”

The defeat meant Southend finished the season in 11th place, three points above the relegation zone despite being hit by a 10 point deduction from the RFU for failing to control the supporters in a heated clash with Colchester.

And Bloomberg was full of praise for how the Saxons were able to avoid slipping down into London One North.

“It’s been a tough season and we’ve had so much going on both on and off the field but the last few months have been really pleasing,” said Bloomberg.

“Full credit to Danny (Cleare) and Leggy (Daniel Legge) and all the boys because everyone has worked so hard and the attitude has been amazing.

“It’s been so pleasing to be a part of.# “When everyone wrote us off, we dug deep and started playing some really good, enjoyable rugby and as captain I couldn’t ask anymore from the boys.

“They really worked hard and believed in one another and I couldn’t be any prouder of them.

“It’s been a real privilege to captain not only as a team but as a good group of friends.”

And Bloomberg was also keen to point towards the positives of Saturday’s clash, despite the final score-line.

“I felt we dominated them in the first half and you could just see how far we have come since the first game of the season which was also against Tonbridge,” said Bloomberg..

“We were more then matching up to them but full credit to them because they came out in the second half running and did what they have done all season and won.

“But it shows how much we have come on to come away scoring four tries and coming away with a point.”

Chris Shields scored two of Southend’s tries while Brad Burr also touched down along with Bloomberg.

Southend: Ashton, Yeomans, Ngaluafe, Vaughan, O’Brien, Burr, Gould, Strachan, Bloomberg, Bailey, Smith, Court-Rhins, Fombo, Shields, Kellard

Replacements: Morgan, O’Kill & Whatling