Southend ended their run of defeats with an impressive and much-needed win at Haywards Heath on Saturday.

"It was fantastic," said delighted skipper James Shearing.

"Winning like this away from home is a testament to the efforts off all the players concerned."

The Essex boys looked the stronger, more disciplined side from the off and were well in control at 12-0 up by half time, with Welsh kicking ace Ali Chambers finding his penalty-kicking range.

With the pitch a mudbath and a bitter wind at their backs in first half, Southend put together some good phases of play and some good forward play.

David McDonald and the recalled Simon Webb - back and on song after an ankle injury - consistently secured good ball and passed intelligently, although the team could not quite break through to touch down in the first 40, with a couple of good opportunities going begging.

After the interval, Southend began in aggressive style and forced Heath into rushing several defensive kicks, which meant the play remained in the hosts' half.

Chambers kicked another penalty after Stuart Singleton and Chris Green charged through, resulting in a ruck from which Haywards couldn't resist putting a hand in.

The home side missed penalty of their own and soon saw any lingering hopes of a comeback thwarted when southend's Australian pair played a key role in the first try of the match.

Duncan Milstead intercepted a pass and flew through the Heath defence before unloading a pass to Aussie Tom Lucas, who was tackled but found countryman Jamie Connors who touched down in the left corner.

With victory already in the bag, the visitors did concede a converted try in the final quarter but re-established their 18-point cushion in the last minute.

Continued pressure on Haywards Heath finally came to fruition when McDonald scored in the left corner.

Published Tuesday December 16, 2003

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