SOUTHEND Saxons ground out a 38-18 win against Chelmsford at Warners Bridge to stay top of the Regional Two Anglia table.

The victory was Southend’s sixth in succession.

But co-captain Matt Wagstaff felt it was secured despite the Saxons not being at their best.

“Saturday’s game was not the performance we know we are capable of, however sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition,” said Wagstaff.

“Chelmsford made it difficult for us to break them down but we stayed calm and trusted our skills to score a few good tries in the second half to seal the bonus point win.”

Southend remain a point clear of second placed Eton Manor.

And Wagstaff has been encouraged by the start to the season.

“The start of the season has been excellent,” said Wagstaff.

“We’ve had to play some tough away games in Thurrock and Dagenham and put in some great performances.

“However we know our next three games are up there with the most difficult to come.”

Southend travel to Eton Manor next time out before hosting third placed Harlow.

A trip to fifth placed Brentwood follows that but Saxons are without a fixture this weekend.

And Wagstaff is certain that will work well for Southend.

“This break is key for us,” said Wagstaff.

“We had some injuries coming into Saturday as a result of last week and a tough training week so the boys will recover well.

“It also gives us a mental break and time to reset.”

But Wagstaff will not be looking too far ahead.

“We are taking each game as it comes but we are confident in our squad,” said Wagstaff.

“We’ve had some great additions to the team in key positions, and we are all determined to do what it takes to maintain the good start we’ve had.”

And those sentiments have been echoed by Australian full-back Tom Sly who is already feeling at home with Saxons.

“There are some serious footy players here,” said Sly.

“The main chat has always been about promotion and that’s the main goal.

“That’s the plan anyway but I’ve been loving it and it’s been really good.

Elsewhere there were defeats for Rochford Hundred and Westcliff in Regional One South East on Saturday.

Rochford slipped to seventh in the standings after losing 49-28 at second-placed Harpenden while bottom of the table Westcliff were beaten 35-13 at home to Oundle.

In Counties Two Essex (South), league leaders Canvey Island were handed a walkover win at Barking while Billericay triumphed 32-31 at Kings Cross Steelers following an entertaining battle.