RUGBY: Southend Saxons suffered their first defeat since the opening day of last season, losing 54-17 to Sudbury at Warners Bridge.

Southend had secured 28 successive victories prior to Saturday’s setback.

But Saxons director of rugby Josh Ward admitted they had been second best in the Regional One South East clash.

“We weren’ t at our best and I thought they were excellent,” said Ward.

“They were ruthless but six of their scores we felt accountable for. “They’re a quality side and they finished second in the table last year.

“But I want to congratulate our boys first and foremost because they’ve been on a 28 game unbeaten run in competitive rugby and that doesn’t just happen.

“That’s come to an end now and it was always going to happen at some point.

“It’s disappointing in the way it’s happened but we’ll regroup and we’ve got a new challenge now.

“It’s all about our character from here.”

Sixth placed Southend will now be looking to bounce back at home to Old Northamptonians, who sit immediately below them in the table, this weekend.

In Counties One Essex on Saturday , Basildon lost 31-25 in a close clash at Burnham on Crouch.

In Counties Two Essex, Billericay beat South Woodham Ferrers 55-12 and Canvey Island lost 31-13 at Stanford le Hope.