SOUTHEND Saxons turned on the style to power past Ruislip 88-7 at Warners Bridge.

The victory was Saxons’ fourth in succession and kept them third in the London One North standings, much to the delight of second row Jake O’Kill.

“Saturday’s game was pleasing in many ways,” said O’Kill.

“First of all it was great to get the bonus point win, something we never take for granted no matter who we play.

“On top of that it was a really pleasing squad performance.

“Alfie Justice and Tom Mowle also made their first team debuts excellently and got on the scoresheet too.”

Saxons were on top from the start against their struggling opponents.

But O’Kill was pleased to see Southend staying on the front foot.

“It was very pleasing to not have taken our foot off the gas,” said O’Kill.

“Previously on occasions we’ve been guilty of letting teams back in during the second half.

“It’s something we are aware of and is very much a focus of ours during half-time discussions.

“While it was disappointing for Ruislip to score it was to their credit that they didn’t give up, despite what is looking like a really tough year for them.”

However, everything now seems far more positive for Southend.

“Things are shaping up well,” said O’Kill.

“As a club we are going from strength to strength with our men’s teams playing week in, week out and clocking up some great results.

“Our women’s team, the Saints, are undefeated after another great performance at the weekend too.

“But it is important to keep the momentum going.

“We are always building towards our next game and taking it one week at a time.

“Saying that, we have high aspirations as a group and we know North Walsham are further down the line.

“This game in particular will be one of our biggest tests this year.”

Southend bagged 12 tries in their win at the weekend, with powerful number eight Matt Wagstaff bagging his second hat-trick of the season.

Connor Copper touched down twice while Justice, Simon Wasley, Dan Read, Ross O’Brien, Mowle and Chris Vaughan also scored tries.

Tom Ramsey, who reverted to fly-half for the game, also enjoyed a fine afternoon as he scored two tries and nine conversions to add 28 points to Saxons’ tally.

And Southend’s director of rugby Josh Ward was pleased with the display.

“It was a professional performance, we got what we needed, we played what was put in front of us and we move on,” said Ward.

“Our strength in depth is incredibly pleasing too.”

Southend: Sexton, Justice, Wasley, Vaughan, Day, Ramsey, Branch, Reeman, Forster-Knight, Armitage, W Cooper, O’Kill, Read, C Cooper, Wagstaff. Replacements: Mowle, Law & O’Brien