SOUTHEND Saxons stormed back to winning ways with a 43-12 win against Luton.

The victory saw Southend end a run of two successive defeats.

And Saxons’ director of rugby Josh Ward was pleased to get back on track, despite not being happy with his side’s start at Warners Bridge.

“After another slow start we once again managed to turn the screw in the second half,” said Ward.

“We were erratic in the first 40 and our discipline made it a lot closer than I felt it should have been.

“Ironically we scored our first half points when we had a man in the bin.

“To Luton’s credit they finished the first 40 minutes well and started the second half well.”

However, Saxons were eventually able to pile on the pressure.

And Ward felt that was down to his team’s fitness levels.

“Eventually our fitness levels shone through and pleasingly our set piece dominance was rewarded with some well finished tries.

“Saturday was a great day, with two pleasing outcomes for our Priors and Saxons.

“The clubhouse was rammed and there was a great buzz in the evening.

“We’re building our identity and have a tight knit committed group of people who are willing to work incredibly hard for each other.

“It’s a very exciting time to be part of Southend Rugby Club.”

Southend saw Nik Grier yellow carded after just four minutes but were still able to take the lead with Fraser Banks touching down.

Moments later, Harry Branch bagged another try before the Saxons were shown another yellow card with Ray Crossan ordered off.

Luton hit back to narrow the score to 14-12 at half-time.

But Southend dominated the second half with Joel Armitage scoring twice.

Grier, Owen Gemmell and Jac Sexton - who was making his debut alongside his brother Joe - also touched down for the Saxons.

Southend Saxons: O’Brien, Crossan, Sexton, Banks, Day, Ramsey, Branch, Smith, Forster-Knight, Bailey, Gemmell, O’Kill, Grier, Morrison, Wagstaff

Replacements: Armitage, Wood & Sexton