SOUTHEND Saxons’ director of rugby Josh Ward has told his team to focus firmly on just the fixture against Rochford Hundred tomorrow.

A bumper crowd is expected to watch the local derby at Warners Bridge.

But Ward does not want Saxons to get caught up in the occasion.

“We need the players to focus firmly on playing the game and not the occasion and we will be stressing that message before kick-off,” said Ward.

“Of course there are going to be a lot of eyes on the game, especially because of the short-term history between the two clubs.

“But it’s a long season and to get caught up in the two derby games we have against Rochford would be a recipe for disaster in my eyes.

“We need to stay focused and go out there and enjoy it because it’s an exciting game to be part of.”

However, Ward knows Rochford - who were promoted into London One North last season - will be extremely tough opponents.

“Rochford will be difficult for any team to face this season and I think they’re favourites for the league,” said Ward.

“That brings its own pressure but we put pressure on ourselves internally too.”

Southend lost 29-12 at Eton Manor on the opening day of the season last weekend.

But Ward was encouraged by the display.

“We were punished for a couple of lapses in concentration and that cost us 14 points but it was a game we should have won,” said Ward.

“There were plenty of positives though and we spent 70 per cent of the second half 30 metres from their line but we couldn’t make that tell.”

Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 3pm with no admission price.

The two second teams will also face each other at 1pm.