SOUTHEND Saxons director of rugby Josh Ward spoke of his pride for his players following their crucial 18-10 win against North Walsham.

The victory sent Southend ninth in the Regional One South East standings.

And Ward was delighted with how Saxons dug deep in tough conditions to end a six match losing streak.

“It was a brilliant performance and one the players should be very proud of,” said Ward.

“It was atrocious conditions and we played into the wind in the first half but the first quarter was some of the best attacking rugby we’ve played all season.

“We really enforced our game onto them which was pleasing. We built the scoreboard up and went in 15-7 ahead.”

But Southend were unable to make the most of their pressure in the second half.

“We were really buoyant going into the second half and wanted to make sure we were playing in the right areas first and foremost,” explained Ward.

“We wanted to apply pressure throughout the half and we got the field position but we lacked a bit of patience which was slightly frustrating.

“But in a game where it meant so much to both teams to come out on top winning by eight meant they came away with nothing which was important for us.”

And Ward was thrilled with the spirit on show.

“I’m immensely proud of the playing group and that extends to the Priors as we all train together,” said Ward.

“We came into the game on the back of a few losses but we had the belief and trust in how we wanted to play.

“We were confident that we were close to clicking too.

“Did we click on Saturday? No but we put in a tough, workmanlike performance which saw the boys get exactly what they deserved.”

However, Southend will now be turning their attentions towards hosting seventh placed Shelford at Warners Bridge this weekend.

“They’re very physical games with Shelford,” said Ward.

“They’ve got threats throughout their team and they’re quick to adapt too.

“They notoriously have a big pack which suits it when it’s heavy and wet but they also have some very dangerous runners in the backs.

“Regardless of what the weather is like, and hopefully it’s nothing like Saturday, there will be threats coming our way.”

And Ward is calling for another strong defensive showing from his side.

“We’ve got to take our defensive shift from Saturday into this week,” said Ward.

“We didn’t get enough points from the time we spent in the red zone on Saturday so we’ve got some things to look at and we’ll look to back it up with another good performance at home this week.”