SOUTHEND Saxons started 2020 with a spirited 39-20 win at Old Priorians despite skipper Ian Morrison feeling they did not find their rhythm.

The victory pushed Southend up to third in the London One North standings.

But Morrison felt Saxons were not at their best.

“It was a stop start game for us and we got the points needed but we definitely didn’t find our usual rhythm,” said Morrison.

“It was our first game since just before Christmas and the break allowed us to refresh.

“But there would definitely have been some sore bodies on Sunday after getting used to it all again.”

Joel Armitage, Tom Day and Matt Wagstaff all bagged tries for Southend along with Nik Grier who touched down on his first game since becoming a father and returning to the club.

Southend now sit level on 52 points with second-placed Brentwood but table-topping North Walsham are 18 points clear.

And Morrison is keen to kick on during the second half of the season.

“Every game is a cup final for us which we are well aware of,” said Morrison.

“So many teams are competing and every game is tough.

“Our goal is to focus on every game and maximise our points in each encounter.

“North Walsham have definitely set the standard.

“But we will just have to wait and see at the end of the season as there are still a lot of points left to play for.”

Southend have now triumphed in 10 of their 15 league games this term.

And director of rugby Josh Ward was happy with the latest result despite not being overly satisfied with the first performance of the club’s 150th year.

“I’m delighted to come away from home and leave with maximum points but we’re left with a fair bit of reflecting to do,” said Ward.

“We started really well with tempo and good field position which gave us opportunities to get the scoreboard ticking. After that, we became a bit sloppy.

“Our unforced error count was through the roof and something that we will need to look at this week.

“Some aspects were pleasing but we need to do some work before we face Eton Manor.”

Southend Saxons: Ramsey, Richards, Law, Wasley, Day, Lloyd, Branch, Reeman, Grier, Armitage, Newton, O’Kill, Cooper, Morrison, Wagstaff

Replacements: Bevan, Read & Banks