SOUTHEND Saxons surged to the top of the Regional Two Anglia table after thrashing Norwich 96-8 at Warners Bridge.

The victory was Southend’s fourth in succession.

And Saxons director of rugby Josh Ward is pleased to see progress being made.

“We were excellent,” said Ward.

“We got into the game fairly quickly and never really looked back.

“It was very pleasing and we showed a lot more patience which we didn’t have the week before at Saffron Walden.

“We’re learning and when the opportunities came along we executed them well.”

The victory saw Southend move into pole position, a point ahead of second placed Eton Manor.

But Ward is not getting carried.

“Of course it’s nice to be top and it’s where we want to be but it’s a long season,” said Ward.

“This time last season we were top and obviously didn’t manage to maintain that “We’re pleased to be there again but you don’t win anything in September.”

Southend are without a fixture this weekend before travelling to fifth placed Dagenham the following Saturday.

And Ward is determined to keep the good run going.

“We’ve got a big couple of games in October we ultimately want to get after but it’s all about momentum and the fact we’ve had four on the bounce is great,” said Ward.

“We’re a tight knit group and the boys work incredibly hard.

“The commitment has been at a new level and we spoke about that in pre-season.

September has been incredibly busy and intense.

“We’ll have a quick breather now and then we’ll be into a new block.”