Match Report: Southend Saxons RFC 14 - 15 Towcestrians RFC

Tows took the long journey down to Southend on Sea for this clash between the two teams currently propping up the rest in the London premier division, and it was Tows who clinched the game at the death with a late try from Liam Wilkinson.

Tows overcame some troubles well before kick off after late changes to the side delayed the bus trip to the seaside, despite the delay it was Tows who started the better, and had the upper hand early on, Alex Chalcraft going close after snaffling an interception, eventually Tows pressure bore fruit, veteran second rower Chris Kirby, running a great angle to break through, Ben Roe adding the extras. Southend had a chance to score next, however, opted to run a penalty from from in front of the posts, which came to nothing, Tows holding the home side. It was a double yellow card with both teams losing a player that led to a change in fortune, Southend taking advantage to run in a try and then immediately collecting the kick off to run through Tows scattered defence with both tries converted to take a 14 - 7 lead, Southend finished the half strongly with a series of 5metre penalty scrums, but good defence from Tows prevented them scoring again before halftime.

The game resumed with Tows putting pressure on the home side and Ben Roe kicked a penalty to cut the deficit to four points, Southend narrowly missing a penalty in reply, this miss proved crucial, as Southend failed to finish several midfield breaks, handling letting them down with the last pass.

After holding Southend at bay on their own line Tows worked their way downfield, thanks to a couple of penalties, and from the ensuing line out Liam Wilkinson ran through for the winning try, Roe's conversion from the touchline bouncing off the cross bar, Tows held out for the last couple of minutes and kept possession until time ran out.

Elsewhere around the club the Towcester Roses, Tows Ladies XV, beat league rivals Royston 29 - 0 to strengthen their position in the push for league promotion in their first season of league rugby.