Haywards Heath's worst fears proved well founded as they lost 20-17 at Southend in their table-topping London One clash.

Heath had been warned about the hosts' renowned goalkicker and were punished by four second half penalties after turning around with an 11-8 lead.

Skipper Alex Meredith, who scored Heath's only try with a superb blindside break, admitted: "We were beaten by a one-dimensional team.

"It was very frustrating because we dominated in almost every area of the game. We have no-one to blame but ourselves."

Owen Ashton was also on form with the boot, kicking two penalties in each half.