SOUTHEND Saxons may have already been crowned champions but there was no easing off against Stowmarket.

Saxons triumphed 81-14 to make it 20 victories in a row.

And director of rugby Josh Ward was delighted the display.

“We were excellent,” said Ward.

“We spoke in the build up about the challenge we faced and the potential lack of connection to it.

“Stowmarket are fighting for their lives so we knew emotionally they would be attached and throw a lot at us.

“But to the players’ credit they came out and the first 40 minutes we were devastating.

“We played beyond the line really well and had great continuity.

“We scored some really good team tries and went in at half-time with an emphatic lead.”

However, Ward knew it would have been tough to keep that level going.

“It’s always difficult to maintain that level for 80 minutes but the players pushed on,” said Ward.

“Being ultra critical we were disappointed to concede but we scored 80 points away from home and really enjoyed ourselves.”

And Ward felt that again underlined just why Southend have been so successful in Regional Two Anglia this term.

“The nous and maturity of the group has been a really significant factor this season”, said Ward.

“We’ve turned up every week and tried to be better than the week before.

“Some of the rugby came up with, especially in that opening 50 minutes was brilliant.”

Southend complete their season at home to Woodford a week on Saturday.