TOM Ashton is relishing his return to Southend Saxons.

The experienced centre-back to Warners Bridge in the summer from Rochford Hundred.

And he is enjoying being part of a landmark season.

"I wanted to be a part of the club's 150th year," said Ashton, explaining his return to the club.

"I always believed that I could still offer something to the Saxons team so yes my intention was to play first team rugby here too.

"I have really enjoyed being back involved after a tough start to the season through a couple of injuries that I couldn’t seem to shake off."

Ashton has come into the side im recent weeks and is pleased to be playing alongside Chris Vaughan, another experienced player at the club.

"I love Chris Vaughan and I have so much respect for him as a player and as a bloke," said Ashton.

"We know each other really well so it has been really enjoyable playing outside of him although I would prefer to be playing inside him as he would make a great outside centre."

Ashton was denied the opportunity to play last weekend as the Saxons' clash with Amersha, & Chiltern was postponed.

But the centre has now set his sights on getting back to winning ways when Southend head to Shelford this weekend.

"It was frustrating but understandable the game was odd as the pitch was not in great condition at training on the Thursday night and to be honest I was glad of the rest," said Ashton,

"Saturday will be tough but I never look too closely at the opposition.

"If we perform how I know we are capable of the results will take care of themselves."

Southend will make the trip sitting eighth in the London One North standings.

And Ashton is keen to enjoy a strong end to the campaign. 

"For the rest of this season we need to learn from the mistakes we have made and keep building on what is a very good group of people that Josh (Ward) has assembled on and off the field," said Ashton.

"That is only a good thing for Southend rugby who are definitely on the right tracks back to where they belong."