SOUTHEND Saxons surged back to winning ways with a 32-19 triumph against Ruislip.

Southend suffered a 55-14 defeat against Sudbury last time out.

And director of rugby Josh Ward was pleased with the character shown by his side.

“I’m really proud of the boys and the way they responded after last week,” said Ward.

“We spoke very briefly about last week and then got some quality work done all building up to putting a performance in.

“Ruislip are second to Rochford as the form team in the league, so we were under no illusions of the challenge we faced.

“But we dominated the collision area as well as having a platform from set pieces, which I felt allowed us to cause problems and play some outstanding rugby.

“We made a statement against a very good side.

“The boys will get some down time now before we prep our trip to Colchester.”

Despite the final scoreline, it was Ruislip who opened the scoring at Warners Bridge as they capitalised on poor Southend defending to touch down.

But, moments later, the hosts hit back with Joel Armitage scoring a try Tom Ramsey converted to put the hosts 7-5 in front.

Southend then went further ahead with a try from Adam Cunnah but more poor defending enabled Ruislip to make it 12-12 with their second try of the afternoon.

However, two Southend penalties put them 18-12 ahead at half-time before the hosts raced further clear in the second half with Fraser Banks and Chris Vaughan both touching down to secure victory.

Saxons are now eighth in the London One North standings and face a tough looking trip to Colchester next time out.

Southend Saxons: Sexton, Banks, Cunnah, Vaughan, Day, Hoult, Branch, Reeman, Grier, Armitage, Newton, O’Kill, Forster-Knight, Cann, Wagstaff

Replacements: Campbell-Webster, Read & Ramsey

>LONDON One North leaders Rochford Hundred were handed a home walkover win at the weekend as Luton were unable to raise a team.

Hundred are now 14 points clear at the top of the table with just four games to go.

In London Two North East, bottom of the table Basildon lost 57-10 to Ipswich but South Woodham Ferrers beat Cantabrigian 20-7.