Stirring choruses of Swing Low Sweet Chariot from the crowd could not lift Southend as they slumped to a disappointing home defeat.

Spectators were in high spirits after England's World Cup triumph but, unfortunately, Southend could not follow up with a winning performance against Tabard at rain-lashed Warners Park.

All rise - Southend lift Phil Bailey highest to win this lineout Picture: ROB WELHAM

"It is difficult to put a finger on why we lost," said skipper James Shearing, who had a busy week covering for director of rugby Kevin Harman, who was one of the lucky one's who secured a ticket for the World Cup final.

"They didn't score any of their points through sustained goal-line pressure but their fly-half and full-back kicked intelligently all day to keep us in our own half."

Ali Chambers' seventh-minute penalty put Southend in front, but that was the only time the hosts held the advantage all afternoon.

They did haul themselves level at 10-10 after 32 minutes, with recent signing Jamie Connors -- the Kiwi No 8 who looks a good addition -- touching down for Chambers to convert after Alan Barker's fine run.

Parity was brief, though, as Tabard added their second converted try of the afternoon within four minute to make it 17-7 going into the interval.

Southend were reduced in numbers when David Hyett was sent off for throwing a punch and the resulting change-around -- Southend had to bring on another front-rower -- saw new Aussie Tom Lucas make his debut.

By the hour mark the Hertfordshire side had pulled away -- an unconverted try in the left corner and a penalty giving them a 15-point cushion.

Southend got back within striking distance at 25-17 when replacement Kevin Bates scored under the posts -- Chambers adding the kick --on 64 minutes after a forwards' drive.

The visitors added another penalty seven minutes from time to complete the scoring.

Published Tuesday November 25, 2003

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