SOUTHEND Saxons skipper Matt Wagstaff cannot wait to get stuck into the second half of the London One North season.

Southend head to Brentwood this weekend for their first outing since drawing at Harpenden on December 11.

And Wagstaff insists Saxons are excited to get going once again.

“We are all very much looking forward to get stuck into this second half of this season,” said the powerful number eight.

“We have two Essex derbies to start off the New Year, and the boys are raring to go.

“The break has allowed a lot of our injuries to heal, therefore it makes competition for places high which has created a good buzz.”

Southend go into Saturday’s game sitting sixth in the standings, one point and one place above their hosts.

And Wagstaff is expecting another tricky test.

“Brentwood before the break have strung some good results together so we will be expecting a tough game,” said Wagstaff.

“It will be a physical battle but we are excited and ready to kickstart our new year.

“We will looking to get the win.”

But Wagstaff will not be focusing beyond the weekend’ clash.

“I’m not looking too far ahead,” said the skipper.

“In this league you need to take each week as it comes, prepare correctly for each team and hopefully a good run of results will see us climb the table.

“We have some tough away trips to come but each team is beatable as we have seen, and we will give everything to end as high up the table as well can.”

Westcliff and Rochford Hundred had both been due to return to action in National Two South this weekend but both games have been postponed.

Westcliff were due to host Barnstaple while Rochford Hundred had been getting ready to head to Guernsey.