SOUTHEND Saxons’ winless start to the season continued with a 33-31 defeat at fellow strugglers Towcestrians.

Both teams went into Saturday’s London & SE Premier Division clash without a win.

But Southend were unable to avoid an eighth successive setback, much to the disappointment of head coach Josh Ward.

“There is nothing but frustration, four yellows is inexcusable,” said Ward.

“We played forty minutes with reduced men. We must do better and we will do better.”

Franco Maggiolo bagged two tries for Southend while Harry Barton, Ross O’Brien and Norbertas Radzevicius also touched down.

Southend Saxons: Ramsey, Radzevicius, Murphy, Johnson, Barton, Vaughan, O’Brien, Briggs, Bloomberg, Bailey, Archer, Maggiolo, Newton, Morrison, Shields Replacements: Forster-Knight, Wood & Navarro