Tom Ramsey lands a late penalty to secure dramatic win for Southend Saxons against HAC

Saxons seemed to be heading for a narrow home defeat until the fly-half’s late intervention.

And Ramsey was delighted to help Southend pick up a second victory in succession at Warners Bridge.

“It was the win we needed,” said Ramsey.

“I think it will now boost the team’s confidence when moving into the next block of games which is a positive for us.

“At times on Saturday I thought we let ourselves down on accuracy with passing and finishing off phases.

“When we were in the key areas we panicked a bit when we should’ve been more patient but we still got the win so we have to be happy.”

Ramsey also played a pivotal part in the win as his superb penalty cleared the crossbar via the inside of the left post.

And the youngster was thrilled to see his kick go over.

“I was nervous to be honest but I just had to go through my routine and focus on what I needed to do,” said Ramsey.

“I had to treat it like any other kick but when it went over it was a massive relief.

“I was buzzing because it meant so much to the team and the supporters.

“I have never heard the crowd be so quiet in the time I have been there and then to hear them go from 0 to 100 was an amazing feeling.”

The victory kept Southend ninth in the London One North standings.

But Ramsey remains keen for the Saxons to work their way higher up the table.

“The season so far has been up and down really,” said Ramsey.

“There’s been games where we should’ve won which have been frustrating but with the players and staff we have here we can go far in this league.”

The win followed a similar success for Southend against Old Priorians in their previous effort when Simon Hoult landed a late penalty.

And Saxons’ director of rugby Josh Ward was happy to see his side secure another hard-fought win.

“The emotion at the end showed how much that one meant,” said Ward.

“We played a very efficient side and at times HAC showed real quality.

“The boys have developed a thick skin and mentality. They find ways to win and it was a great finish by Rambo to reward the squad’s effort.

“We’re seven months in now and we’re making good strides. The support was excellent again and it was a great way to finish the block”.

Saxons led 10-7 at the break, with Chris Vaughan scoring their only try of the first half.

Joel Armitage also touched down for Southend in the second half with the rest of Saxons’ points coming from the reliable boot of Ramsey.

Southend: Jac Sexton, O’Brien, Joe Sexton, Vaughan, Day, Ramsey, Branch, Campbell-Webster, Grier, Armitage, Newton, O’Kill, Forster-Knight, Morrison, Wagstaff.

Replacements: Cooper, Wood & Banks