SOUTHEND Saxons’ head coach Josh Ward was chuffed after seeing his side beat Shelford 34-26 at Warners Bridge.

The victory pushed Southend up to 12th in the London & SE Premier Division standings.

And Ward felt an improved start was a major reason for the success.

“We’re chuffed to have got the win and we all realise the way we started the match was key,” said Ward.

“We had an open and honest chat after the defeat at Guildford and we spoke about the importance of starting strongly and it was great to see it happen.

“We scored three good tries in the first half and, after a difficult start to the second half, we were able to see the game out professionally.

“For 70 of the 80 minutes I thought we were excellent but we want this to be a springboard for us now.”

Shelford opened the scoring with a try on Saturday, before Southend hit back with a penalty from fly-half Max Navas.

Winger Ross O’Brien then also bagged a try Navas converted to put Saxons 10-7 in front before the home side extended their lead before the break with Franco Maggiolo and Chris Shields both scoring tries Navas was able convert.

That put Southend 24-7 in front before Shelford began to fight back at the start of the second half.

Two tries in quick succession saw Southend’s lead cut to 24-21 before the hosts began to get back on top.

A try from Paddy Briggs, which was converted by Navas, re-established a 10 point lead before Shelford were also hit by a red card.

Southend took advantage with another penalty from Navas, which sealed victory for his side despite a late unconverted try from the visitors.

Saxons are now 10 points from safety, but face a tough run of fixtures as they take on the league’s top three teams in succession.

But Ward is looking forward to the challenge.

“This league is unforgiving but it’s also unpredictable, so anything can happen,” said Ward.

“It’s a tough run but we don’t fear anyone.”

Southend Saxons: Barton, MacVeigh, Murphy, Vaughan, O’Brien, Navas, Sprangers, Briggs, Robinson, Campbell-Webster, Wood, Maggiolo, Read, Morrison, Shields.

Replacements: Forster-Knight, Newton & Ramsey