TOM Ashton could be handed his first start of season when Southend Saxons head to Worthing tomorrow.

The 32-year-old, who can play at fly-half or at centre, has yet to be selected in the starting line-up in National Two South this term.

But, with first choice centre Sonny Gay unavailable this weekend, Ashton looks set to be handed a chance to impress.

And he is eager to make the most of the opportunity.

“With Sonny missing on Saturday it opens the door for someone to get a starting spot,” said Ashton.

“Whether the coaching team go with me or one of the other lads I don’t know but we will try and make the most of the opportunity.”

Southend will also be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 34-19 defeat to table-topping Taunton when they head to Sussex on Saturday.

The setback saw the Saxons remain ninth in the standings but Ashton has still been encouraged by the opening few weeks of the new campaign.

“We have made a good start to the season and we’re playing a more positive and attacking brand of rugby,” said Ashton.

“But it has also been a little frustrating to have had a couple of defeats because we feel they have been down to our mistakes rather than Redruth and Taunton breaking us down.”

Ashton was also unable to play much of a part in trying to prevent that from happening.

And, from a personal perspective, he soon the season will soon start to improve.

“Of course it has been frustrating for me personally so far,” said Ashton.

“I had a slight pull in my calf just before the Chinnor game on the opening day and that forced me out.

“Since then the players have played well so it’s been a case of if it's not broken don't fix it.””

However, Ashton’s chance could well arrive this weekend against a Worthing side who are seventh in the standings.

Last time out, they were beaten 28-10 at struggling Redingensians.

But Ashton believes Southend must keep their error count low if they are to come out on top.

“I expect another tough game against Worthing because they are well drilled,” said Ashton.

“They don't often make mistakes so we will have to keep our errors and penalty count low if we are to get to the win.”

Southend welcome back winger Billy Driver this weekend but will be again be without the experienced Kris Chesney who misses out with an Achilles injury.