NATIONAL TWO SOUTH


Southend Saxons..............................13
Dorking............................................18

 

SOUTHEND Saxons’ David Jackson saw his return from a hip injury ruined by the club’s former full-back Andrew Frost at Warners Bridge on Saturday.

Frost, who spent nine years with Southend before joining the Surrey side at the start of last season, kicked all 18 points on a successful first return to his old stomping ground.

And that left Jackson a disappointed figure at the final whistle.

“It was a very frustrating game because they didn’t break our defensive line once and never looked like scoring a try,” said the back row.

“But we kept them in the game with a series of penalties at the breakdown and scrum.

“We came back strongly in the final 20 minutes but by then we had let them build a 15-0 lead and it was always going to be difficult after that.

“The boys were disappointed after the game too as we realised it was a game we lost ourselves rather than a game that Dorking won, but full credit to Frosty who took his opportunities well with the kicking tee like we knew he would.”

Three penalties from Frost secured Dorking a 9-0 lead at half-time and he then added two more successful kicks at the start of the second period.

Southend worked their way on to the score-sheet with Adam Ferrier scoring his second try of the season and Tom Ashton kicking the conversion.

However, Frost soon hit back with another penalty to seal victory for his side despite two late kicks from Ashton.

But, although he was disappointed by the defeat, Jackson was at least pleased to be back in action having missed the previous three games with a hip problem.

“Personally it was good to be back playing because it's been frustrating recovering from a long term hip problem,” said Jackson.

“I've spent the past month in the gym and felt better for it in the contact area on Saturday.

“The hip feels good now too and hopefully won't trouble me anymore this season.

“My parents are over from New Zealand at the moment and were watching the game, which is always special as they have been constant supporters of my rugby.

“They enjoyed the match as a contest and the friendly atmosphere at Warners Bridge but it was just a shame we couldn’t get the result.”

Southend have now been beaten in four of their first five games of the season.

But Jackson is still confident of turning things around.

“I think the most important thing for us as a side now is not to panic,” he stressed.

“We won four of the first six games last season and only finished mid table.

“It’s a long season and the results will come if we stick to our systems and game plan.

“Chris Green is doing a great job with us as a squad and likewise Kris Chesney as captain.

“We just need to take our chances and be more clinical with our execution.

“I also think if we improve our discipline then the rest will take care of itself.”

Southend: Meads, Billings, Burr, Vaughan, Nash, Ashton, Branch, Fardell, Bloomberg, Bevans-Royston, Chesney, Hudson, Jackson, Ferrier, Kellard Replacements: Strachan, Shields, Smith, Driver & Pollard