Southend Priors overcame a sluggish start on a waterlogged pitch to nick a 24-22 win over Eton Manor II.

They were trailing 17-5 at the interval, with their only score coming from Ally Gavin's try from a rolling maul.

Priors lifted their game after the break, with their forwards dominating line-outs and scrums.

Further tries followed from Spencer, Gavin and Nathan Strange. Paul Bantic kicked two conversions in windy conditions.

Skipper Danny Whiteside knows his side needs to improve its first-half performance when they take on Woodford in the Essex Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Published Thursday November 27, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo