SOUTHEND Saxons finished their title winning Regional Two Anglia season with a sublime 41-13 win against Woodford at Warners Bridge.
The victory was Southend’s 21st in succession since losing to Woodford on the opening day.
And director of rugby Josh Ward was delighted to end the league campaign with a fine showing in front of a large crowd.
“Everyone knew it would be an emotional day,” said Ward.
“Some people have cried, some people have laughed but this is a special club and it’s the biggest in Essex as far as I’m concerned.
League champions 🏆 @SouthendSaxons pic.twitter.com/eULDKam0RM
— Chris Phillips (@CJPhillips1982) April 6, 2024
“We’re on the rise and we’ll enjoy this because it’s been a special season.
“We’ve got a great group of people both on and off the field and for the players to string together 21 wins in a row is fantastic.
“Not many clubs do that and I’m really pleased for everyone here because they’ve backed us through some tough times.
“The club’s on the up and rugby in Southend is looking pretty good right now.”
Southend finished the campaign with an impressive 103 points to their name but Ward admitted the latest victory had been far from straight forward.
“Woodford are a good side,” said Ward.
A memorable day for @SouthendSaxons pic.twitter.com/lfKDe90BEQ
— Chris Phillips (@CJPhillips1982) April 6, 2024
“They had a number of people missing which we were aware of but we knew we would have to work hard to break them down.
“They beat us on the first day and they were better than us that day.
“There were no complaints on that front but in hindsight it was the probably the best thing that could’ve happened to us because the players have been so focused.
“There’s been such attention to detail and that’s why they’ve won 21 games in a row.”
Josh Ward on a special day for Southend Saxons@SouthendSaxons pic.twitter.com/OXgzDGWcOH
— Chris Phillips (@CJPhillips1982) April 6, 2024
Southend were presented with the league winning trophy after the final whistle.
And co-captain Matt Wagstaff admitted it had been a memorable day for everyone connected with the club.
“It’s massive,” said Wagstaff.
“I made my debut six years ago and that season we got relegated.
“It’s been about consolidating since then and trying to get the club back to where it belongs.
“A lot of the boys who got relegated are still here and it was nice to see Ian (Morrison) our old captain coming down to support us as well.
“We’re super proud to get to where we are and we’ll enjoy this moment because these things don’t come around too often.”
Try for @SouthendSaxons . They lead Woodford 29-13 pic.twitter.com/k72y2Byvx4
— Chris Phillips (@CJPhillips1982) April 6, 2024
And those sentiments were echoed by his fellow co-captain Ben Lloyd.
“I’m super proud because it’s been a bit of a journey,” said the fly-half.
“I’ve been here four seasons and every year we’ve put more and more in place.
“We deserved to top the league this season and we’ve gone unbeaten since the opening day defeat.
“It’s super satisfying and it’s been a brilliant season for a brilliant group of boys at a brilliant club.
“You can see how much it means to everyone too.
“It’s a bumper crowd and the supporters have been brilliant all year.
“It’s great to give back to those guys and make them enjoy their Saturdays again.”
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