Adam Staniforth scored 10 points on his All Blacks debut

Launceston began life back in National League Two with a 30-23 victory over Southend in Essex.

Mark Billings crossed to give Southend the lead, but the visitors fought back with Sam Hocking and Mike Myerscough tries to lead 20-5 at half-time.

Both sides twice crossed the line in the second half, but the Cornishmen held out for a seven-point win.

Despite the defeat, a final-minute penalty from Ben McKeith helped the home side to secure a bonus point.

Southend took the lead through winger Billings after Jamie Connors burst through the Cornish All Blacks line, but Andrew Frost failed to convert.

The visitors fought back through an Adam Staniforth penalty, and then took the lead through a Hocking try, which he also converted for a two-point lead.

Southend have never been at a higher level than National League Two

Staniforth increased that lead with a penalty, then converted Myerscough's try for the 15-point lead at half-time.

Southend clawed three of those points back after the break, through the boot of Andrew Frost, but All Blacks replacement Josh Lord cancelled that out with a try.

Daniel Cleare responded with a score of his own, which was converted by Frost.

Southend's third try from Timothy Stannard narrowed the gap to 25-20, but the All Blacks then made a quick dash for the line to add their fourth try.

In the final minute of play, McKeith struck a huge kick from the halfway line to bring the score to 30-23, putting the Seasiders within seven points and securing a bonus point as the whistle blew.