Southend Saxons staying upbeat despite defeats

SOUTHEND Saxons’ director of rugby Josh Ward is staying positive - despite his side’s run of results.

Southend were beaten 35-13 at Hertford on Saturday to suffer their fifth Regional One South East defeat in succession.

But Ward is looking beyond the score-lines and is remaining upbeat.

“There has been a lot of positive stuff in the opening rounds,” said Ward.

“As much as we haven’t been winning enough we’ve certainly shown we’re mixing it with the big boys.

“We’re playing some really good attacking rugby but the problem at the moment is the fact that we’re leaking.

“We’ve got to tighten that up collectively but we do take positives from the opening seven rounds.

“From the outside it might seem you’ve lost five on the bounce but we don’t really look into that data too much.

“Of course we need to start winning games, that’s obvious, but I’m confident we will.”

Southend, who were promoted as Regional Two Anglia champions last season, are currently eighth in the 12 team table.

But Ward is certain valuable lessons have been learnt.

“We’re a third of a way through the season now and we’ve learnt a hell of a lot which is important,” said Ward.

I’m confident with a little bit more consistency and, having learnt from the experiences we’ve faced, we’ll have a much better second half to the season.

“We’re having to navigate our own issues in terms of injuries which are part and parcel of the game but that’s not a sole factor in us losing games.”

And Ward does know where improvements must be made.

“It probably comes down to skill execution and concentration but we’re having to navigate senior players not being available which is difficult,” said Ward.

“But I’m confident we will turn that corner, get that win and self belief going again.

“From the outside looking in it probably looks like we’re in a bit of rut but we’re absolutely not.

“We’re fully aware we’re not where we want to be and need to be and that’s the motivation.”

But Ward did not hide his disappointment surrounding Saturday's score-line.

"It was very, very disappointing in terms of outcome," said Ward.

"We were well off where we needed to be on Saturday and to Hertford's credit they chipped away at us and ultimately got what they deserved from the game.

"The first half was nip and tuck.

"I thought we played in the right areas of the field and applied a lot of pressure but there were some inaccuracies.

"We didn't leave the red zone with enough points and that was a telling factor."

In contrast, Hertford were able to make the most of their pressure.

"They got the try just before the break and a couple straight after," said Ward.

"As a result they got a lot of confidence from that but in terms of our matchday it didn't read well.

"It was very clear in terms of what was missing.

"As much as that's frustrating the important thing is that there's clarity for us in terms of where we need to be moving."

Southend are without a game this weekend before returning to action on Saturday November 9 at home to ninth placed North Walsham.