SOUTHEND Saxons suffered a day to forget at Barnes, losing 97-7.

The defeat pushed Saxons back down to second from bottom in the London & SE Premier Division standings.

And head coach Josh Ward was extremely disappointed with the below par performance.

“Saturday was a day to forget from start to finish,” said Ward.

“We were second best in every facet of the game.

“As much as we want to forget we must learn from this too and to the boys’ credit they voiced this afterwards themselves.

“But there was nothing there that represented a Southend performance on Saturday.

“I can only apologise to our supporters that travelled to Barnes.”

Southend had been hoping to cause an upset against their high-flying hosts but found it tough going as second-placed Barnes dominated the majority of the match.

Franco Maggiolo scored the Saxons try which was converted by Max Navas.

However, Southend had little else to show for their efforts as they returned home empty handed.

And Ward is now keen to see an improved display in another difficult looking clash this weekend as the Saxons host table-topping Guernsey at Warners Bridge.

“Saturday is going to be another huge challenge for us against the most consistent team in the league,” said Ward.

“But I don’t think the game can come soon enough.

“We need and want to get back out there and put in a performance we and the club can be proud of.”

Southend remain 10 points from safety following Saturday’s defeat and will be hoping to stay in touch with the teams above them during a difficult run of games.

Saxons host Guernsey this weekend before travelling to Tring seven days later.