SOUTHEND Saxons head coach Josh Ward was left ruing the side’s poor discipline following a 46-15 defeat to table-topping Guernsey at the weekend.

Southend started the contest brightly and led 15-10 at half-time.

But the visitors were able to get back on top when the Saxons had players sent to the sin bin.

“Our discipline cost us and we conceded 24 points in two sin bin windows which you can’t do against sides of Guernsey’s quality,” said Ward.

“We knew this block of three games was going to be a huge challenge as they are against the best three teams in our league.

“But our first 40 minutes was outstanding against Guernsey.

“We dealt with everything they threw at us and gave them plenty to think about to lead at half-time but our discipline cost us after that.”

Southend went ahead with a try after Ross O’Brien before Blue Newton also touched down to secure the hosts a five point lead at the break.

However, Guernsey scored 24 unanswered points in the second half to secure their 16th win in 18 games to remain six points clear at the top of the London & SE Premier Division standings.

At the other end of the table, Southend sit second from bottom and face another tough test when they travel to third placed Tring at the weekend.

“Tring is a new challenge and an exciting one,” said Ward.

“We pushed them hard at home and we plan to do the same on Saturday.”

Southend remain 10 points from safety but were boosted by the return of centre George Griffiths at the weekend.

The youngster had been sidelined for the majority of the season with a hand injury but was back in action on Saturday while Matt Wagstaff was also in action as he made his first team debut for the club.

Southend Saxons: Ramsey, Barton, Griffiths, Vaughan, O’Brien, Navas, Sprangers, Briggs, Forster-Knight, Campbell-Webster, Newton, Maggiolo, Wagstaff, Morrison, Shields.

Replacements: Dyer, Read & Lewis >BOTTOM of the table South Woodham Ferrers suffered a 13th defeat in succession losing 17-0 to Eton Manor in London One North.