ANDREW McClintock was unable to stop Southend suffering a disappointing 27-19 defeat at Westcombe Park on Saturday, despite continuing his new-found try-scoring form.

The 34-year-old touched down for the sixth time this season.

But it was not enough to stop the Seasiders ending their season in frustrating fashion.

“It was a very disappointing way for us to finish,” said McClintock.

“We wanted to get a win in our last game, especially as it was away from home and our last few results on the road hadn’t been good enough.

“However, after a bright start we blew a good chance to go 10-0 up and then had 15 minutes of madness when we must have conceded about 20 points. After that we improved but we gave ourselves too much to do and it was very frustrating.”

The poor period in the first half also meant McClintock’s try at the start of the second period was ultimately in vain. However, he remains staggered to have scored so many tries this term.

“In 20 years of playing rugby I don’t think I’ve ever scored six tries in a season,” said the second row.

“To be honest most of them were dive-overs but I’m not complaining. It’s just a shame the tries couldn’t help us have a more successful year.”

Southend ended the season sat 10th in the National Two South standings and were initially on top against Westcombe Park, who were relegated despite winning.

Southend led through an early try from scrum half Sam Arnott but the home side hit back with Chris O’Neill, Kieran Leeper and James Lindfield all scoring tries.

A penalty try also went the way of Westcombe Park and a single conversion led to the Kent club being 22-7 up at half-time.

Southend replied with McClin-tock touching down and Tom Ashton converting but Lindfield soon replied with his second try to put Westcombe 27-12 in front.

The Seasiders hit back with Chris Vaughan charging over and Jack Jones adding the extras.

But it proved to be too little too late and that frustrated South-end’s director of rugby Chris Green.

“We gave away a couple of poor tries just before half-time and that killed us,” said Green.

“However, the performances of some of the youngsters we put in the team was a big positive.

“Sam Fombo started for the first time and did well, Darryl Ox had his second start and Alex Reed came on and looked lively, so there were a few things to be pleased about despite the result.