SOUTHEND Saxons’ director of rugby Josh Ward was left ruing another slow start from his side following Saturday’s 45-28 defeat at Old Haberdashers.

The setback was Southend’s third in a row in London One North and left Ward feeling frustrated.

“It’s frustrating because without being rude to Old Haberdashers we made a mediocre side look really good and it’s all come from our start again,” said Ward.

“We were 24-0 down and you just can’t afford to give teams leads like that.

“It’s self inflicted but I do feel if the game had been 10 minutes longer we could well have gone on to win it.

“We’re not being outclassed and I don’t think it will be long until we do some damage.”

Southend did pick up their first point of the season for their troubles at the weekend, with Sam Hampson, Tom Ramsey, Joel Armitage and Ian Morrison all scoring tries.

And Hampson has now scored four tries in Southend’s first three games.

“Sam’s come in and been deadly,” said Ward.

“He’s a character and very likeable. He also has a lot to offer and we’re delighted with how he’s been doing so far.

“But he would be the first to say his one at the weekend was an outstanding team try.”

Southend: Ramsey, Banks, O’Brien, Vaughan, Hampson, Stalley, Branch, Newton, Morrison, Grier, Ox, O’Kill, Campbell-Webster, Forster-Knight, Armitage. Replacements: Bailey, Tottman & Hoult