SOUTHEND Saxons suffered a narrow 15-10 defeat at HAC.

The setback was Southend’s fifth in six London One North games this season.

But director of rugby Josh Ward felt Saxons could easily have won.

“It was one of those games that could have gone either way,” said Ward.

“We played into gale force winds in the first half and I thought we were excellent.

“We had little territory and had to defend for large portions of play, which we had planned for.

“We dominated set pieces throughout where I felt we were short changed and we defended well in tough conditions.

“But two contact areas cost us which is very disappointing.”

Jake Tottman and captain Ian Morrison both scored tries for Southend but it was not enough to prevent another defeat.

However, Ward is keen to stay positive.

“Naturally our first six games’ return doesn’t read well but while this squad beds in we need to be taking points along the way, which we are doing currently on our travels,” said Ward.

“We’ve got some areas to bolster and tidy ahead of a big block of three starting against Fullerians.”

Southend sit 11th in the table.

Southend Saxons: Ramsey, Banks, Dobson, Vaughan, Hampson, Stalley, Branch, Bailey, Grier, Campbell-Webster, Newton, O’Kill, Wood, Forster-Knight, Morrison.

Replacements: Sheils, Tottman & O’Brien.