SOUTHEND Saxons surged to a 50-0 win against struggling Norwich in London One North.

Saxons scored eight tries during a convincing victory at Warners Bridge.

And director of rugby Josh Ward felt his side improved the longer the game went on.

“We had to break them down and in the first 20 to 25 minutes it was frustrating,” said Ward.

“It’s a heavy pitch out there and we tried to force play too early to begin with.

“But we regrouped pretty well at half-time and were able to problem solve.

“We came out in the second half and played some really good rugby.

“Ultimately we scored some good team tries, we got the result and a clean sheet is always nice as well.”

Tommy Justice, who played alongside his brother Alfie for the first time with the Saxons, scored two tries in the success while Rory Inwood, Blue Newton, Jake Tottman, Tom Day, Callum Smith and Tom Ashton also touched down.

Full-back Jack MacVeigh kicked the remainder of the points as sixth placed Southend moved to within three points of Harpenden, who the Saxons travel to take on this weekend.

“The stage of the season we’re at it’s a cup final really in terms of the standings,” said Ward.

“It’s a big week but Saturday was a real team performance and 50 points was a good reward.”

Southend have now gone two games without conceding a single point.

And fit-again Ian Morrison was pleased to play a part in the latest shut-out after recovering from a long-term injury “It was hard to stick to the principles in terms of what we wanted to do but overall I thought it was a really good performance,” said Morrison.

“The boys stepping in, young boys and the senior ones all mixed in well and it was a good scoreline.

“From my own point of view it’s good to be back out there too.

“My fitness is improving the more I play and we’re looking forward to the games we have coming up now.”

Southend Saxons: MacVeigh, A Justice, Smith, Ashton, Day, Sexton, Branch, Bass, T Justice, Reeman, O’Kill, Newton, Whatling, Morrison, Wagstaff.

Replacements Campbell-Webster, Tottman & Inwood.

>Elsewhere on Saturday, Braintree had a home walkover win against bottom of the table Canvey Island in London Three Essex while in Essex One, Basildon lost 43-0 at Maldon who have now overtaken Billericay at the top.

Basildon are now sitting in sixth position.

In London Two North East, Ipswich had a home walkover win against struggling South Woodham Ferrers.

Woodham remain bottom of the table and have yet to win in 10 attempts so far this season.

In London One North, Thurrock lost 38-17 at Belsize Park and are now 11th in the standings. The T’s visit Southend the week before Christmas.