SOUTHEND Saxons surged back to winning ways with a convincing 55-0 victory against Diss at Warners Bridge.

Southend had been beaten 35-32 by Fullerians last time out.

And Saxons’ director of rugby Josh Ward was delighted with the response shown by his side.

“I’m really pleased with that shift,” said Ward.

“Everything went up this week - the intensity at training, levels of detail and the boys achieved everything we set out to achieve.

“It was an improved defensive display and a bonus point win.”

Southend started brightly and led 26-0 before the half hour mark.

And Ward felt a strong opening was key for Saxons.

“We started fast and direct and got rewarded which was pleasing,” said Ward.

“Naturally there are some things to work on for us, we lacked some accuracy at times and our scrum didn’t give us the platform we were after.

“But it was good to see Tom Reeman and Dan Read back out there and Adam Cunnah making his long awaited debut after injury.

“Dan Forster Knight was also outstanding n the collision area for us.

“Last week was the rocket we needed.

“We’ve responded and will look forward to another tough fortnight starting at Sudbury at the beginning of March.”

Southend broke the deadlock with a try from Jac Sexton at the weekend before Nik Grier also touched down to make it 14-0.

Further tries followed, with Sexton scoring his second of the afternoon before Vinnie Cann also touched down to put Saxons in control.

The hosts led 31-0 at the break before Ray Crossan scored the first try of the second half.

Fraser Banks then also touched down before top try scorer Ian Morrison did likewise.

A try from Tom Day then rounded off a fine afternoon for the Saxons who now sit eighth in the London One North standings.

Southend Saxons: Sexton, Crossan, Banks, Vaughan, Day, Ramsey, Branch, Campbell-Webster, Grier, Bailey, Newton, O’Kill, Forster-Knight, Morrison, Cann

Replacements: Reeman, Read & Cunnan.

>Bottom of the table Basildon lost 31-12 at home to fellow strugglers Harlow in London Two North East at the weekend.

But South Woodham Ferrers beat Norwich 33-12.