SOUTHEND Saxons moved up to fifth in the London One North standings with a 39-5 win at Ruislip.

The victory was Southend’s second in succession.

And, with the Priors also seeing off Rochford Hundred 26-15 on Friday night, director of rugby Josh Ward remains pleased with the progress being made.

“It’s been a great week for the group on and off the pitch,” said Ward.

“We trained brilliantly on Tuesday in monsoon conditions, we had 40 at a social event Thursday and we’ve gone out and delivered two bonus point performances.

"Friday night was special as I think it showed the quality in depth we have in this squad and the togetherness building throughout the club is special.

“We ran in some great team scores from all areas of the pitch, but for me and the staff we emphasised how our defence won us the game.

“Joe Baldock, AJ (Alfie Justice) and Mitch (Bennett) were superb and then to see the development of Jambo (James Ramsey) and TJ (Tommy Justice) into the men’s game, it’s great to see.”

And Ward was also thrilled to see Saxons come out on top against their bottom of the table hosts who have yet to triumph this season.

“Saturday was a different type of challenge,” said Ward.

“Credit to Ruislip, they’ve had a real tough year but they fought extremely hard and they deserve huge credit for that.

"It wasn’t a complete performance but I’m proud of the boys for chipping away throughout, scoring some good tries and demonstrating maturity at key times.

"It’s our game in hand done and lifts us to fifth which is getting us back to the right end of the table.”

Southend opened the scoring with a try from number eight Will Cooper at the weekend before the hosts hit back with what proved to be their only try of the game.

Saxons replied with a try from winger Tom Richards before a penalty from Ben Lloyd put the visitors 15-5 in front at half-time.

After the break, Will Cooper bagged his second try of the afternoon before Ben Lloyd also touched down to increase Southend’s lead.

And the visitors then sealed their win when Fraser Banks intercepted a pass before running the full length of the field to score a try Lloyd was able to convert in the final action of the game.

Southend will now be confident of making it three wins in a row when they host second from bottom Woodford at Warners Bridge this weekend.

Southend Saxons: Banks, Inwood, Ashton, Vaughan, Richards, Lloyd, Branch, Bass, Grier, Armitage, Newton, O’Kill, Forster-Knight, C Cooper, W Cooper.

Replacements: Reeman, Read & Day.