SOUTHEND Saxons’ winless start to the season continued with a 37-15 defeat to Barnes at Warners Bridge on Saturday.

The defeat was Southend’s fifth in succession in the London & SE Premier Division.

And vice-captain Ross O’Brien was frustrated with Saxons’ latest setback.

“There were some positives from the match,” said O’Brien, who bagged Southend’s first try of the afternoon.

“But we definitely have lots to work on.”

Barnes raced into a 12-0 lead against the Saxons before O’Brien’s try cut their advantage and a penalty from Tom Ramsey brought the home side to within four points of the visitors. However, Barnes raced further clear with another try and they remained 17-8 in front at half-time.

The visitors extended their lead at the start of the second half before staying on top and touching down again to make it 27-8. Moments later, Barnes went over again before Southend replied with a try of their own with George Wood touching down.

Ramsey added the extras but Towcestrians’ 41-7 defeat at Tunbridge Wells saw the Saxons move off the bottom of the table on points difference. However, Southend have still yet to pick up a point this season and already find themselves 12 points from safety.

Saxons now face another tough test this weekend as they travel to a Guernsey side who sit second in the table with four victories from their first five games of the season.

Southend Saxons: O’Brien, Radzevicius, Vaughan, Johnson, Griffiths, Ramsey, Lewis, Lopez, Dyer, Bailey, Archer, Newton, Wood, Morrison, Shields Replacements: Skidmore, Maggiolo & Navarro