SIMON Hoult held his nerve to secure Southend Saxons a 28-25 win against Old Priorians but was still left feeling frustrated.

Hoult kicked a late penalty to ensure Southend edged the London One North clash at Warners Bridge.

However, Hoult was still not completely satisfied.

“The game on Saturday was very frustrating,” said the fly-half.

“We started well and played some really good rugby but we were just asleep for the first 10 minutes of the second half.

“We then worked hard to get ourselves back into the game and eventually win.

“It was scrappy but a win is a win, which is what we needed, and in the past we have lost that type of game.

“But the group is developing and maturing each week and a belief is building.

“This squad and club is definitely on a journey.”

Southend’s win saw them end a run of three successive defeats.

And Hoult was pleased to play a part in the victory.

“It was very pleasing to get the kick but if I’m honest I was not thinking anything,” said Hoult.

“I have a routine and clear my head with all kicks whether that be first minute or last minute.”

Hoult’s kick sealed a win which initially looked like being far more straight forward for Southend.

Two tries from Jac Sexton plus a conversion and two penalties from Hoult put Saxons 18-3 in front at half-time.

But, after the break, Old Priorians scored three tries in quick succession to turn the game on its head and lead 22-18.

A try from Tom Day put Southend back in front before a penalty from the visitors levelled the scores at 25-25.

However, Hoult had the final say with a late penalty to continue his enjoyable return to Warners Bridge.

“I’m very much enjoying being back at Southend,” said Ward.

“It’s a place that holds lots of good memories and it was an easy decision to return and be part of what Josh Ward and the club has planned.

“It is a long-term project to return the club to where it belongs.

“But each week as a group we learn and grow which makes us stronger.

“We have a lot of young talented players and it has been fantastic to work with these players and help them develop both on field and off.”

Hoult had been away from Southend for four years prior to his return.

But he remains determined to help the Saxons progress.

“The rest of the season, as a group, we are looking to keep improving weekly, to challenge and stretch each other to be better than the week before,” said Hoult.

“If we do this the results will take care of themselves and we will finish top half of the table.

“We will then look to push on next season.”

Southend remain ninth in the standings.

Southend: Sexton, O’Brien, Banks, Vaughan, Day, Hoult, Branch, Campbell-Webster, Grier, Armitage, Newton, O’Kill, Forster-Knight, Morrison, Wagstaff

Replacements: Cooper, Wood & Ramsey