SOUTHEND Saxons recovered from a slow start to triumph 35-12 at Thurrock.

Southend fought back from 12-3 down to secure a second win in succession.

And hooker John Kenward was delighted with the determination on show.

“We had a slow start which left us on the back foot but in the second half we came back into the game,” said Kenward.

“There was some great skill on show from the boys resulting in scoring some brilliant tries.

“There are lots of positives to take from the game and we will all work hard in training this week building for next week and look forward to the game against Saffron Walden this coming weekend.”

Southend now sit third in the Regional Two Anglia standings.

And Kenward is relishing his role in proceedings.

“I recently moved to Essex and spoke to Southend,” said Kenward.

“What they had going on with their goals for the season seemed like something I would like to buy into.

“I’ve settled in really well too.”

Kenward spent the past two seasons playing for Old Albanians having been with Lutterworth since the age of six.

But he is now targeting success with the Saxons.

“I feel as though this season we will continue to improve week in week out and build on our skill set,” said Kenward.

“In the league we are in there are a couple of very strong teams that will be tough opposition but I think on our day, when we click as a group, we will be able to challenge anyone in our league.

“The aim is to obviously get promoted and have a good run in the cup and I believe if we continue to work hard and put in strong, well rounded performances, then we will go a long way to achieving our goals.”