Promotion-chasing Southend avenged their opening day loss to Old Boys in no uncertain terms.

But they will be unhappy with a couple of defensive lapses which let in their struggling opponents for two flattering scores.

Southend dominated and hooker Tom Wilson opened their account with a regulation catch and drive, which Ali Chambers converted.

Building for the future - Southend's veterans side, the Cardinals, have been sponsored by BSG Builders Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY 6WCEA19C

Twenty minutes of sustained pressure yielded nothing for the seasiders until Andy Newnham exploited a gap to score after the forwards drove on to the line.

But a 14-point lead evaporated when Old Boys' Ollie Gardner took advantage of a defence in disarray to score, with Paul Ogden converting.

Southend centre Gareth Pratt outpaced the defence for a converted try and Chambers added another penalty for a 24-7 half-time lead.

Jamie Banks started the next move with a fierce tackle and got up to be on the end of it to score.

Pratt again surged into rival territory to set up Nathan Strange for the score.

Ben Green then set up Pratt for another score, before Nick Glister scored a clinching try.

Published Tuesday, March 19, 2002