A bonus point for scoring four tries will be scant reward as Jersey lost ground in the race for the title.

Both side's went over twice in the first period, Steve O'Brien (2) replying to the home side's early scores from Lee Guess and Simon Hoult.

Mark Billings built Southend's lead after the break to 24-10, but Ed Dawson and Dave Doherty both crossed the line as Jersey pulled it back to 27-25.

Any ideas of a win for the island side were undone by two late penalties.

With leaders Ealing winning easily at home, Jersey are now five points adrift in second place.

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