SOUTHEND Saxons will be taking a break from their promotion push when they host Chingford in the Essex Cup tomorrow.

Saxons are second in the London One standings.

But, despite making changes to his side, director of rugby Josh Ward will not be taking the cup competition lightly.

“We will mix our squad up for the game this weekend but we want to go and win the cup,” said Ward.

“It will be a big test against Chingford but we’re always confident when we’re at home and hopefully we’ll put in a good performance.”

Saxons head into the clash on the back of five successive league wins.

But other players will now be looking to impress in tomorrow’s cup tie at Warners Bridge.

“There will be young, exciting talent on show this weekend but there will also be some experienced campaigners and hopefully that balance can put us in a good place,” said Ward.

“We’ve got a big emphasis on the squad.

“We don’t have first and second team players here and that’s really important for us.

“We have excellent depth and a really good age demographic but nobody owns the shirt here.

“We want everyone to go out and have the freedom to express themselves too.

“We don’t coach in a robotic manner and we’re very open-minded.

“We want players to express themselves and feel they have that freedom when they play.”

That has put Southend in good stead this term but Ward will not be getting carried away.

“It’s a good place to be but we haven’t won anything yet,” said Ward.

“It’s been really pleasing but you don’t win anything in November and it’s still very close in the table.”