A very impressive display from all the boys today where every boy played their part, scoring 100 points over the course of the day and only conceding 5 try's.

First up was a very big and physical Barking outfit who only played one way, hard and straight but Southend started brightly making their first up tackles and pressing hard in defence, causing unforced errors and then sticking to the game plan and moving the ball wide at pace. The result running in 9 unanswered try's
What a start to the day.

Next up was Thurrock who had the same plan as us to play quick wide rugby which made for a very exciting game with Southend come close on a number of occasions to snatch the lead but were denied by Thurrock's excellent scrambling defence. The game finishing in a 1 all draw, making the road to the title a big ask now, we would need to win all our remaining games so the pressure was on.

Next was Eaton Manor who had looked useful all morning with some strong running centres, Southend would need to be on their game. After the previous game the boys were questioned on how much they really wanted it and the saying "actions speak loud than words" comes to mind with a strong performance from the boys. Our forwards working really hard against some very big Eaton boys, competing at the breakdown and set piece giving us enough quick ball to attack the wide channels and eventually scoring 2 well worked try's.
Another good team performance winning 2-0 and keeping in the title race only one more to go.

We now faced an unbeaten Woodford side, and for us to make the semi final we would need to beat Woodford which no one had managed so far if that wasn't hard enough we had to score 3 or more try's and prevent Woodford scoring 3, not much to ask. Southend had their hopes on the Cup and the played their socks off which I think was the best of the day, this again another massive forward effort, turning ball over in contact and scumaging well, set a good platform for the backs to run. Our half backs using the ball well and getting our strong centres into the game who crossed the gain line nearly every time and allowing the wingers to run in space. Southend kept the pressure on for the whole game scoring first then each side scoring bring the score to 2-1 not enough, and then the boys really played finishing 4-2 winners and booking their place in the cup semi final Against a familiar Brentwood.

Semi Final and one hand on the cup, but we needed to get past a very determined Brentwood side who knew our style of play but in the end it came down to the determination of Southend who really were starting to show they were contenders. No change to the game and again the boys played their parts so well. There was big performances all round with the forwards dominating and the backs challenging with hard running and some good support play saw the boys through to the final 4-2 winners.

The Icing on the cake, the final and another familiar side, Upminster this was going to be a hard game as both Teams play very similar, attacking at every opportunity and competing for everything. Defence's was going to be tested and bodies would need to be put on the line and that is exactly what we got, a very evenly contested game with no side prepared to take a backward step. There was going to be limited opportunity, so this was always going to be a tight game. Southend did start to get the upper hand and with a try not being awarded deflated them slight but with no time left the final score 1 all draw, we share the honours.
I would like to thank the 12 boys for entertaining us with some very good rugby today and with what you have achieved again today.
You 12 boys have done you club and yourselves proud today. Well deserved winners.

A big thank you must, also go to the sideline you cheers, encouragement and support really make a difference.

All in all a very good day all round