SOUTHEND Priors hope switching to a tougher league will provide stronger back up for the Seasiders' National Division Three South first team.

Kevin Harman's senior side are on the up at the moment and climbed into the top seven of the league table for the first time following Saturday's 38-24 victory against Westcombe Park.

And Priors captain, Nathan Strange, believes a solid second string set-up can only help Southend grow bigger and better as a club.

"Due to a lack of decent competition from other Essex clubs we have joined a new league," said Strange, who was called up to the first team at the weekend, while the Priors progressed to the Essex Second XV Senior Cup final.

"We are competing in the Canterbury shield this season, which includes a lot of strong clubs such as London Welsh, Blackheath and local rivals Barking."