SOUTHEND Saxons moved up to second in the London One North standings after grinding out a 24-17 win at Woodford.

The victory was Southend’s fifth in succession.

But director of rugby Josh Ward admitted it came despite Saxons not being at their best.

“We got in, we got out and in all honesty we probably didn’t deserve the win but importantly the boys demonstrated incredible character,” said Ward.

“Let’s credit Woodford because I felt they threw everything at us and were the better side but, as I said, we found a way.

“We want to use this as a positive moment in our season when we look back.

“It was a cold, dark November day and we got a last minute try to secure the maximum so it was job done.

“But I’m not commenting on the official, I don’t need to and I’m not getting into trouble.

“If you were there, you know.”

Southend take a break from the league this weekend as they face a cup clash with Chingford before hosting table-topping North Walsham.

But Ward is not getting carried away.

“We’ve got a cup game against Chingford before we welcome North Walsham to Warners Bridge,” said Ward.

“We’re second in the table right now so I’m happy.

“But the reality is there is nothing won in November.”

Woodford sit second from bottom in the standings but belied their lowly league placing with a strong showing and start against Southend.

Saxons’ defence held firm and, at the other end of the pitch, they ran in two tries with Tom Richards and Simon Wasley both touching down.

However, Woodford hit back with a try of their own to cut Southend’s half-time lead to 12-7.

But, after the break, Woodford began to cause more problems and a spell of pressure resulted in them going 17-12 in front.

Southend replied with a try from Joel Armitage which brought them level at 17-17 and the scores stayed the same until right at the death when a Saxons scrum resulted in Matt Wagstaff crashing over for the winning score.

Southend Saxons: Ramsey, Richards, Wasley, Vaughan, Banks, Lloyd, Branch, Smith, Reeman, Armitage, Cooper, O’Kill, Forster-Knight, Law, Morrison Replacements: Read, Wagstaff & Justice