SOUTHEND Saxons made it 16 wins in succession after fighting back from 18-0 down to see off Chelmsford.

Saxons started sluggishly before bagging a 35-25 victory.

And Southend’s director of rugby Josh Ward was delighted with the spirit on show after a tough opening 30 minutes.

“We were very slow to get into the game and that was very disappointing for us,” said Ward.

“The opening half an hour we were on the back foot and credit to Chelmsford, they came flying out the traps.

“They won the gain-line battle and raced into an 18-0 lead making full use of some poor defensive lapses from us plus a bit of ill-discipline.

“It was very frustrating but from half an hour onwards we started to get a hold of the game.”

And that soon saw Southend narrowing Chelmsford’s advantage.

“We got back into it and got a bit of a platform up front,” said Ward.

“We went in 18-14 down at half-time which was a result from our point of view because we were disappointed with that first 40.”

However, Southend were able to step things up after the break.

“The players have shown a mental edge this year and real togetherness,” said Ward.

“The players led it at half-time and Matt (Wagstaff) spoke really well.

“He said the togetherness of the group needed to be evident in the second 40 and we played some good stuff.

“Some aspects didn’t go to plan but we scored four tries and left with everything that we wanted.”

And that showed an improvement on recent seasons.

“In previous years we’ve lost these kind of games,” said Ward.

“We haven’t been able to navigate our way through and do what we need to do to win.

“This year our slogan is whatever it takes and finding ways.

“They did that on Saturday and for that we should be really proud.”

Southend remain top of the Regional Two Anglia table, six points clear of Eton Manor who they take on in their next match a week on Saturday.

And Ward will ensure his squad prepare properly for the game.

“We’re in a good place and where we want to be,” said Ward.

“There will be a lot of talk and hype about the next game against Eton Manor and rightly so.

“It’s first against second and the two most consistent sides, to date, in the league.

“We know they’re a great team but we know we’re very good as well when we’re on it.

“It’s important to get some down time this week and then we’ll be making sure we prepare well.”