SOUTHEND Rugby Club endured a disappointing end to their season on Saturday, losing 33-23 at Launceston.

The already-relegated Seasiders had been hoping for a third successive triumph.

But they failed to recover from a slow start and coach Ben Green was left a frustrated figure.

“We weren’t bad but we didn’t play as well as we have been just lately,” said Green, whose side finished 12th in the National Two table.

“We looked a little flustered and didn’t have the control and composure you need to win games at this level.”

Southend’s hopes of victory were hit hard on the eve of the game by three late pull-outs as Andrew Frost, Mark Williams and Stefan North all suffered late injuries.

Without them, the Seasiders went 14-0 down inside the opening 22 minutes as Tom Rawlings and Hamish Smales both scored tries which were converted by Adam Staniforth.

Two penalties from full-back Simon Hoult got Southend back into the game and, four minutes into the second half, Hoult scored a try which he also converted to make it 14-13.

But, two minutes later, Jason Luff went over for the home side and Staniforth again added the extras.

Mike Stanley replied with a try for Southend but Launceston made sure of the win with tries from Gary Kingdom and Smales.

Hoult had the final say with another try for the Seasiders but it came too late to stop them losing.

Results: Birmingham 31 Redruth 7, Blackheath 30 Westcombe Park 19, Blaydon 83 Waterloo 33, Launceston 33 Southend 23, Mounts Bay 14 Tynedale 32, Stourbridge 5 Cambridge 38, Wharfedale 52 Cinderford 14.