Southend Saxons set sights on league leaders Sudbury

Fifth placed Southend are unbeaten in their last five games.

And experienced fly-half Tom Ashton feels Saxons are well prepared heading into the clash.

“This weekend I expect a tough game against the league leaders but we have worked on the things that will put us in good standing to get the result,” said Ashton.

“But like any game of rugby our discipline as a group and individually as well as a strong set piece will be key.”

Southend sit sixth points behind Sudbury going into Saturday’s match.

And Ashton feels it has been a good start to the season for Saxons.

“We have made a positive start to this season but that is all it is,” said Ashton.

“We have objectives that we have set ourselves as a group and everyone knows that we still have work to do to achieve those so as a collective there is some hard work ahead of us.”

But 38-year-old Ashton is enjoying playing his part.

“I am still enjoying being a part of a good bunch of lads despite my advancing years,” said Ashton.

“But we need to keep focusing on what we are good at, what we bring to the party and impose our style on whoever the opposition is week on week and see where it gets us when all is said and done.”

Southend have also been boosted by director of rugby Josh Ward signing a new deal until the end of the 2023 season.

“It’s nice to be able to commit my future to the club,” said Ward.

“We’ve got a brilliant off field infrastructure now to work from, a thriving partnership with the community group, a committed and loyal group of sponsors such as Paul Robinson & Grey Simmonds and a talented, committed and loyal group of staff and players alike to take us forward on the field.

“I’m excited to see what we can achieve going forward.”

In National Two South this weekend, bottom of the table Westcliff host sixth placed Old Albanians while 13th placed Rochford are at home to Leicester Lions, who sit seventh.

In London Three Essex, Canvey Island head to Campion.