Aussie Tom Lucas got the bit between his teeth and scored two vital tries as Southend bounced back from a dreadful start to secure a fine win at Tabard.
Just 48 hours after having his wisdom teeth pulled, the Australian No8 played a big part as his side fought back from 14-0 down in the first few minutes.
Captain James Shearing said: "To come back twice showed real character and ultimately our greater team spirit on the day."
Reshuffled Southend -- with Kevin Bates starting at full-back after injury and Dave Hyett replacing Daniel Rosewell in the front row --took their time getting out of the blocks and conceded two early tries.
Two Ali Chambers penalties got the Seasiders back in contention and the visitors began to play the good rugby we know they're capable of.
A series of well-executed passes, dummies and tackles allowed Phil Bailey to set up a try for James Wagstaff under the posts and Chambers converted to make it 14-13.
Lucas then touched down at the bottom of a pile of blue and red jerseys to give Southend the lead for the first time and Dave Hyett drove over after Peter Dack's charge to extend the advantage.
Tabard slipper through for an unconverted try just before half time to leave them four points adrift at the interval.
Southend made a shaky start to the second half and were on the back foot for six minutes before the hosts finally broke through for an unconverted score that put them a point in front.
The Essex boys' defence proved their strong point during the next half-hour when the superb rugby was played and Kiwi Mac Smith shone in both attacking and tackling roles at centre.
With the excitement building, Lucan scored his crucial second try five minutes from time from a drive after a line-out in the right corner.
Smith added a further score in the dying moments, bursting through to ground the ball under the posts, and Ben Green added the conversion to cap a superb Southend win that moves them back up to ninth in the table.
Published Tuesday January 20, 2004
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