SOUTHEND Saxons will be bidding to bounce back from their first defeat of the season when they host Colchester at Warners Bridge tomorrow.

Saxons were beaten 37-19 at Eton Manor last time out.

And skipper Ian Morrison insists Southend are determined to respond in a positive manner.

“It was frustrating at the weekend as we go into every game with the desire and belief we are going to win,” said Morrison.

“But it allows us to refocus on our standards as a group and build into the next game against Colchester.”

However, Morrison did feel there were positives to take from the last performance, despite the end result.

“In the first half I thought we played much better than the final result showed,” said Morrison.

“We made some mistakes which really allowed them to gain a foothold in the game and in the second half we were chasing a game which made our play slightly rushed.”

As a result, Southend could not get back into the game.

But the spirit is still high in the Saxons squad.

“There is already a huge intensity building into the Colchester game,” said Morrison.

“They are a very good team at this level and it’s the sort of game everyone wants to be playing in regardless of our result last week.”

Saxons are now fourth in the London One North standings, two places and two points below Colchester who have yet to lose this season.

And Morrison is fully aware of how tough tomorrow’s clash will be.

“I’m expecting them to be well drilled and to have a solid forward pack,” said Morrison.

“I know the director of rugby over there and (Ben) Scully has certain expectations of his players.

“I expect it to be an exciting contest between two good teams who are both aiming for promotion this season.”