SOUTHEND Saxons’ Harry Branch is heading into the London One North campaign on the back of his best ever pre-season.

Southend head to Eton Manor for their first fixture tomorrow.

And Branch - who returned to Warners Bridge this summer - feels Saxons will reap the rewards of their impressive preparations.

“This pre-season has been my most enjoyable and productive pre-season I’ve ever had,” said Branch who came back to Southend from Westcliff.

“The whole group has worked incredibly hard and joined together brilliantly.

“I’m really looking forward to us all showing the results this season.”

Southend have moved to strengthen their squad following their relegation from the London & SE Premier Division last season.

And Branch - one of the new recruits - has already been impressed by the togetherness of the team.

“The whole squad that is going into the season is looking like a really cohesive unit, in the sense that we’re all working on the same page as each other,” said the scrum half.

“The buzz within the group and behind the scenes within the coaching group and 1870 club has really pushed us forward I believe so far.”

However, Branch will not be getting carried away with his predictions for the season ahead as Southend look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.

Last time around, the Saxons triumphed just five times in 26 outings to finish second from bottom in the standings.

But Branch is keen to enjoy a vastly improved season.

“Our ambition for this season is to put together professional performances throughout the whole year,” said Branch.

“In doing so we will be looking towards the top half of the table.

“But once we get to the business end of the season we can then re-evaluate and push on from that point.”

However, Eton Manor will provide a tough opening day clash.

Manor finished fifth in London One North last season and are also lining up on an artificial pitch this term, something Branch knows Saxons must quickly get used to playing on.

“The artificial pitch is new for most people within the squad so that will be something for us to get to grips with quickly this weekend,” said Branch.

“I’m hoping that the game is fast paced so an artificial pitch should help.

“But we will be looking to kick on from a great pre-season block of performances and really play well against Eton Manor.

“However, I’m expecting a strong forward presence within their team and I imagine they are a quite well drilled team because of that.”

Southend will also go into the game boosted by the addition of prop forward Joel Armitage.

Armitage - who is the brother of former England internationals Delon and Steffon - joined the club earlier this week and director of rugby Josh Ward is pleased to have him on board.

“Joel is a hard worker and one with a lot of experience for his age,” said Ward.

“He has already started to socialise and blend with the squad and we are very excited for Joel to join our group.

“He has immense talent.”