HARRY Branch feels in-form Southend Saxons will benefit from a break in their season.

Southend, who have triumphed in their last three London One North matches, were without a fixture at the weekend.

But Branch believes that could well work in Southend’s favour.

“I’m sure the rest week will be useful for us,” said the scrum half.

“The boys have really put 100 per cent into this block of games so they fully deserve the rest.

“I’m sure it’ll do us all good for the next block of games.”

Southend started the season with five defeats in their first six games before starting to turn things around.

Saxons saw off Fullerians 41-13 before winning 52-10 against Diss and 34-5 against Sudbury to move up to ninth in the standings.

And Branch revealed confidence is now sky high.

“I wouldn’t say anything within the group has changed specifically to get the wins but the main thing for us as a whole squad is that we have been confident on the ball,” said Branch.

“We have also taken our opportunities when they have presented themselves.

“But I still feel that we have even more to offer as a group, which I’m really looking forward to seeing.”

Southend saw off Sudbury in the last outing and Branch was full of praise for the performance.

“The last game was brilliant to be a part of,” said Branch, who returned to Southend from Westcliff in the summer.

“The second half was especially good but I managed to spend 10 minutes off the pitch for a yellow card offence even though people say scrum halves don’t often make tackles.”

Southend stood firm despite their numerical disadvantage.

And Branch was thrilled to extend the winning run.

“Getting the three wins in a row has been fantastic,” said Branch.

“We targeted this block of games and we have followed through with what we wanted to achieve.

“I’ve been very impressed with everyone’s efforts throughout and we’re all pleased to have got the results but at the same time no-one will be getting carried away either because this is a tough league with a lot of good teams.”

However, Southend should be confident of making it four wins in a row when they head to 12th placed Ruislip this weekend.

Ruislip have yet to win so far this season but Branch will only be focusing on Southend’s form.

“In the the next few weeks I’m sure we will be looking to continue our form collectively and look to improve on small areas to achieve a better overall performance,” said Branch.

“We still feel there is a lot more to come and we want to keep showing that in the games we have coming up.”