SOUTHEND Saxons were beaten 26-20 by table-topping Letchworth Garden City.

Southend pushed hard for a late winning try at Warners Bridge.

And Saxons director of rugby Josh Ward took plenty of positives from the performance “We’ pushed the league leaders right to the last play,” said Ward.

“We were pretty disappointed in some aspects early on in the game but the fight and resilience we’ve got to keep playing shone through.

“It’s frustrating because it’s small margins and these are beginning to hurt more now because we’re getting closer and closer.

“It’s about finishing opportunities off and we haven’t quite done that.

“But I’m immensely proud and we leave with a losing bonus point.

“ It goes on our tally and we’ve had 80 minutes worth of experience at this level.”

Southend are now eighth in the Regional One South East and head to sixth placed Hertford this weekend.