SOUTHEND Saxons’ director of rugby Martin Jones insists there is a buzz around the club ahead of tomorrow’s local derby with Westcliff.

After a slow start to the London & SE Premier Division season, Southend have triumphed in three of their last five games.

And Jones hopes the good run can continue this weekend.

“It’s a local derby so of course there’s a buzz around the place and it’s a game which gets spoken about quite a bit,” said the Welshman.

“Everything is being done on and off the pitch to make it a good day and we’re in a better place than the last time we played Westcliff towards the start of the season.

“Back then I think we were six weeks behind the other clubs in terms of where we wanted to be.

“We’ve slowly turned things around since then but we’re fully aware that we still have a lot of hard work to do.”

Southend put together a new look squad following a number of departures during the summer and kicked off the campaign with eight successive defeats before the recent improvements which has seen them move up to 12th in the 14 team table.

In contrast, Westcliff - who beat Saxons 69-5 earlier in the season - sit sixth in the standings having won seven of their 12 games this term.

And Jones believes Westcliff will be tough opponents tomorrow.

“Westcliff are a good side and they’ve kicked on during the last couple of seasons,” said Jones.

“They’ve struggled against some of the top teams and we’ve pinpointed some areas of their side.

“But we’re mainly focusing on ourselves and if we stick to the plan and play well hopefully we can get a good result.”

Southend are still in desperate need of victories in their fight to beat the drop as they remain 11 points below Shelford, who sit immediately above the relegation zone.

However, doubts surround the fitness of top try scorer Norbertas Radzevicius, who missed Saturday’s vital 28-25 victory against Westcombe Park with a shoulder injury.

“Bert will have a late fitness test,” added Jones.