SOUTHEND Saxons fought back from 14-0 down at Brentwood to make it nine victories in a row.

Saxons stay top of the Regional Two Anglia after grinding out a 21-14 victory.

And director of rugby Josh Ward was pleased with how his side worked their way out of trouble to keep the fine run of results going.

“We’re really pleased to go nine on the bounce,” said Ward.

“There’s a lot of confidence and belief in what we’re doing and how we’re doing it ultimately.

“But the first half was tough.

“We were playing up the slope and we made it difficult for ourselves.

“We were quite inaccurate at times and our kicking game was frustrating.

“We were trying to get ourselves up the pitch and off the pitch ultimately but we failed to do that which allowed them to come back at us and generate some momentum of their own.

“We put a lot of pressure on ourselves as a result of that.

“Some ill discipline gave them three penalties and to their credit they scored a good try so we were 14-0 down at half-time. “ However, Ward was always confident Southend would be able to work their way back into the game.

“The score-line wasn’t a huge concern because we know the conditions over there are so unique,” said Ward.

“But the players led it at half-time in terms of the chat and regrouping.

“Waggy (Matt Wagstaff) spoke really well in the changing room and once the boys came back out we really piled into them in the second half.

“We went up the gears and to go there and win is always difficult.

“They’re a very vocal touchline but by the end of it you could hear a pin drop.

“It was a really good job done.”

Manni Muzuzu, on his Saxons debut, John Kenward and Tom Day all scored tries which were converted by Ben Lloyd.

And Ward - whose side remain two points clear of second placed Eton Manor - is pleased Saxons came through a testing November unscathed.

“Three wins is what we set out for it and what we’ve got,” said Ward.

“It was always going to be a difficult month but it was a month that would give us an idea of where we’re at.

“We’ve achieved each week and tried to get better each week.

“Ultimately it’s not season defining but it gives us an idea of where we’re at with the group.

“It gives us clarity that if we’re on it and dialled in we can beat anyone in this league.

“That has to be the mentality and the belief moving forward.”