Ward left with mixed emotions as Saxons suffer fourth defeat

The setback was Southend’s fourth in five games and saw them slip to 11th in the London One North standings.

But Ward believes Saxons are showing signs of progress.

“We know where we are, we’re three months into this long-term project and there are plenty of aspects I’m really pleased with,” said Ward.

“Our set piece once again was outstanding both in attack and defence and the character this young squad showed to win the second half 19-7 gives us a lot of heart.

“With two minutes to go we were about to leave the game with nothing, so to see the lads graft and finally get over the line for the bonus point and to finish within seven points was what they deserved.”

Harry Branch, Ross Stalley, Nik Grier and Tom Ramsey all scored tries for Southend.

But Ward was again left ruing his side’s slow start to the contest.

“The game leaves us with a mixed bag of feelings really because our first half performance was nowhere near the level that meant we could compete,” said Ward.

“Ultimately, when you give a 26-10 half-time headstart it’s never going to be easy to claw it back.”

The rest of Southend’s points came from the boot of young Ramsey.

And Ward believes his side will continue to improve.

“There was a lot of young guys out there learning and developing, which is excellent to see for our future,” said Ward.

“We have some experience to come back in and compliment the group so, as I said before, we’re only going to get better.

“But we’ve got another tough challenge on the road this week against HAC, where getting a good start will be at the forefront of our planning.”

Southend Saxons: O’Brien, Inwood, Yeomans, Stalley, Banks, Ramsey, Branch, Bailey, Grier, Campbell-Webster, Newton, McClintock, Wood, Tottman, Morrison

Replacements: Sheils, Forster-Knight & Dobson

l Basildon were beaten 108-0 at Saffron Walden in London Two North East but South Woodham Ferrers beat Southwold 14-10.