SOUTHEND Saxons suffered late heartbreak in Saturday’s 27-27 draw at table-topping Eton Manor.

Southend seemed set for an impressive away triumph until Manor scored from the final try of the game.

But, despite the obvious disappointment, Saxons director of rugby Josh Ward was also keen to point towards the positives.

“We played some really good rugby and we had them on the ropes,” said Ward.

“In the second half we knew they were going to come back and unfortunately we didn’t match up at certain points.

“Some decisions went for us, some went against us but ultimately it’s the fourth game unbeaten, it’s three points and four tries at a place where not many teams are going to come and win.

“We’ve come very close and to come up short in the last play of the game, it happens.

“It’s a sign of where we’ve come and where we’re going.

“The boys are very disappointed ultimately because we should be winning games from the position we were in. “ Matt Bevan scored two tries for Saxons while Tom Day and Jack MacVeigh also touched down.

Tom Ramsey added a penalty and two conversions for Southend who are sixth in the London One North standings.

Southend: MacVeigh, Banks, Ramsey, Vaughan, Day, Sexton, Inwood, Bass, M Bevan, Reeman, Newton, O’Kill, Whatling, A Bevan, Wagstaff Replacements: Campbell-Webster, Forster-Knight & Ashton