SOUTHEND Saxons will be looking to get to within 80 minutes of Twickenham this weekend.

Victory against Amersham & Chiltern at Warners Bridge on Saturday would see Southend into a home semi-final of the Papa Johns Community Cup.

And back row Stuart Whatling insists Saxons are determined to make the most of the opportunity.

“We are putting pressure on ourselves internally to get to Twickenham and to win this cup,” said Whatling.

“Perhaps last week (winning at Beckenham) we were looking too far ahead though and now it's time to get back on to the task at hand each week.

“We have what is essentially a quarter final against Amersham on Saturday and a guaranteed home semi-final if we get through that.

“It's a huge opportunity for us but it's down to us to take it now.”

Southend have already enjoyed a season to remember after being crowned Regional Two Anglia champions.

But Whatling says it has not been too difficult to maintain the same level of intensity.

“It's not been hard as such because the cup is important to us but sometimes it's difficult to keep the emotional level of the team as high off the back of several big games in the run in to winning the league,” said Whatling.

“We were off it last week against Beckenham and nearly paid the price but thankfully we did enough to get over the line.

“We know we need to get back to that big game mentality this week as there are no second chances from here on in.”

But Southend are unlikely to have things their own way against Amersham tomorrow.

Amersham won Regional Two Thames this season.

And Whatling knows it will be a stern test for Josh Ward’s side.

"It's always a tough fixture against Amersham," said Whatling.

"They've had a similarly successful season to us, winning their league and they are a youthful side who will present a big challenge. 

"We are unbeaten at home since March 2023 however, so we aim to continue that record."