SOUTHEND Saxons’ number eight Harry Hudson felt very few positives emerged from his side’s disappointing 31-10 defeat at Canterbury in National Two South on Saturday.

The reverse, which was Southend’s third in four games, saw them slump to third from bottom in the standings.

And Hudson, Saxons’ top try scorer this season, was left feeling dejected at the final whistle.

“There weren’t many positives to come from the game if I’m honest,” said Hudson.

“Our defence is not at the standard it was earlier in the season.

“We didn't play well with the ball in hand either and when we did we were routinely penalised.”

Southend were hindered by two yellow cards during the game and were also left frustrated by several decisions made by referee Alexis Manley.

“It's never good to blame the referee but I felt he refereed us out of the game,” said Hudson.

“We didn't receive any reward for a dominant set piece and some of the penalties were questionable too but that happens in rugby.

“On the plus side it was good to see Mark Billings score a well deserved try and have Dan Legge being back fit again.

“But we need to bounce back from this now.”

Southend host third placed Taunton at Warners Bridge this weekend.

And Hudson is confident of producing an improved performance.

“We will watch the game tape from Canterbury and identify and work on where we are going wrong,” said the former King John School pupil.

“We will then look to get back to winning ways next week against Taunton.”

However, Southend will need to improve from the weekend if they are to come out on top.

Canterbury went in front when Aiden Moss crashed over and Ollie Best added the conversion.

Saxons hit back with Brad Burr kicking a penalty before the hosts replied with Best scoring a try he also converted.

Best added a penalty to make it 17-3 but Southend replied after half-time with Mark Billings touching down and Burr adding the conversion.

But hopes of a comeback were short lived as Canterbury’s Alex Veale touched down in the 61st minute and Best kicked the conversion.

After suffering the setback, Saxons battled hard to try and get back in to touch the match but the hosts sealed their win nine minutes from time when Grant Kay scored the final try of the game.

Best slotted the conversion to finish with 16 points and make it a disappointing day for Southend.

Southend: Billings, Nash, Burr, Vaughan, Driver, Coleman, Powell, Fardell, Bloomberg, Bevans-Royston, Chesney, Fombo, Jackson, Ferrier, Hudson

Replacements: Day-White, Kellard, Legge, Cleare & Ashton