SOUTHEND Saxons director of rugby Josh Ward says his side will not fear facing unbeaten league leaders Oundle tomorrow.

Oundle currently top the Regional One South East standings having triumphed in all eight of their games so far this season.

But Ward is firmly focused on what his own side can achieve on Saturday.

“It's an opportunity for us to go in open-minded and really focus on ourselves,” said Ward.

“On paper they’re the league leaders and they’ve heavily invested.

“They’ve got Championship players throughout their line-up and it will be a really good test for our boys.

“But it’s one we don’t fear, we don’t fear anyone and we’ve had a really good week ourselves.

“For us the most important thing is a performance we can be proud of.

“When we perform well we’re a threat ourselves and hopefully we can score some points, keep them out as much as we can and see where that leaves us at the end of the game. “

Southend head into the game sitting eighth in the standings.

But they were without a match last weekend after their scheduled clash with North Walsham at Warners Bridge was postponed due to the visitors suffering issues on their way to the ground.

“It was very frustrating in terms of how the game was postponed,” said Ward.

“It’s completely out of our hands and by all accounts it was completely out of theirs too.

“We actually trained on Saturday for an hour before joining everyone in the clubhouse for the England game.

“We tried to use the time wisely but it’s very difficult, especially mentally as players when you’re ready to get stuck in for what was a big game on paper.

“For that to be changed so quickly before kick-off was tough.”

Southend, who were promoted as Regional Two Anglia champions last season, have been beaten in their last five games.

But, despite being frustrated not to have more points, Ward still feels the Saxons have been a test for the teams they are facing.

“I’d be lying if I said I’d take our receipts on paper at this point of the season,” said Ward.

“From the outside looking in we’ve obviously lost a handful of games but the people who matter in the circle and those who are watching us on a weekly basis will see that we’re certainly mixing it.

“Ultimately there has been a lot of learning from us and we’ve made mistakes.

“Previously we weren’t necessarily always punished for them in the league below but this year we’re playing against stronger opposition and higher quality so those mistakes are costing us points.”

But Southend are remaining upbeat.

“We’re quite reflective but at the same time there’s a lot optimism about what we’re doing and how we’re trying to play,” said Ward.

“I’m not one to sing and dance about injuries at all but I’ve never known a season like it and our medical team have echoed that as well.

“We have four guys with season ending injuries and a lot who won’t be back until after Christmas but that’s part of the game and you have to navigate that.

“I’m really pleased with our squad and there are some opportunities which are popping up now.

“It’s exciting because they’re chomping at the bit for first team rugby.”

In Regional Two Anglia this weekend, ninth placed Rochford Hundred are at home to 10th placed Holt.

In Counties One Essex, second from bottom Basildon host Chingford who are the only team below them in the table.

In Counties Two Essex, second placed Billericay are at home to table-topping Stanford le Hope in a crunch clash while fifth placed Canvey Island are at 10th placed Writtle Wanderers.