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1st XV END OF SEASON REPORT 2015-2016

1st XV END OF SEASON REPORT 2015-2016

Adam Faherty28 Apr 2016 - 11:31
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Report by Graham Pratt

This was a season of rebuilding after the disappointment of the previous one and the introduction of new coach Michael Guess provided that springboard.

We also gained the services of Scott Wheeler from Canvey and Ricki Gould from Southend, both of whom became major influences in the squad.

After three warm up games against Southend 2nds, Chingford and Dartfordians the season kicked off with a narrow defeat to eventual runners up Sudbury.

Another disappointing lose at Norwich in a game Rochford should have won was made up for by a bonus point win against Campion at home.

It was becoming clear that Michael’s coaching was showing dividends in the forwards where the pack began to gel well together to produce some good driving, scrummaging, lineouts and aggressive loose play.

There were still problems in the back line where a settled combination was difficult to achieve due to injuries and unavailability with the likes of regulars Matthew Stewart ,Gavin TuSini, Dan Needham and others missing.

Two victories against Romford and Basildon helped morale before a very disappointing loss to Holt at home by one point and an away defeat at Ipswich.

Gradually the team were evolving with the pack getting better and better with each game and scrum half Gould showing his class.

Another bonus was the return of Max Bacon to the club and with Captain Sam Tape, Wheeler and Scott Horsburgh Rochford had powerful presence in the scrum, line out and loose.

An excellent result against high flyers Diss at Magnolia Road was a highlight but the following Saturday a heavy defeat at eventual league champions Saffron Walden must be the low of the season.

Young Jon Fitzpatrick joined the squad and showed promise filling in different position in the backs and centres Michael Stemp and Brett Smith were becoming a force to be reckoned with.

Matt Stewart returned from injury and his influence showed as the back division became more cohesive.

This started the best period of Rochford’s campaign when a run of seven wins in eight games was only spoilt by a frustrating draw at Holt.

Unfortunately the team lost all but one of their remaining games, including an Essex Cup Semi Final defeat at home against a rejuvenated Romford outfit.

A bonus point win over old rivals South Woodham Ferrers was their only consolation.

The final placing of fifth in the table seemed scant reward for all the effort put in but until Rochford can become more consistent in their play and more disciplined on the field this will be a consistent problem.

The boys have played some exciting rugby this season and have established themselves as a powerful forward unit with those already mentioned plus Liam Bass, Scott Chivers, Tom Corbet, Michael Mark, Ricky Wiseman and Greg Whight who have all contributed so much.

In the backs Ricki Gould and Stewart worked well together and both wings Matt White and Louie Marshall impressed. The presence of Gavin Tusini in the games that he played in was massive and when we required the services of Dan Needham we were, once again, made aware of what we missed went he could not turn out.

Later in the season a further addition to the squad was talented Charlie Clarke from Canvey who added strength to the back division.

On the down side there were matches where the team knew that they could and should have done better as points were lost and their position in the league could well have been higher.

Top points scorer was Scott Horsburgh with 85 points and was also joint top try scorer with Gould on seven tries.

Second highest points scorer was Simon Ashton who started so well but struggled later in the season to hold his place .Well done anyway Simon.

To those members of the squad I have not mentioned I apologise but all your efforts have contributed to help build up Rochford into an outfit that can attack the league next season with the objective of winning it.

Once again many thanks to Michael Guess for all his commitment and hard work which I am sure will pay dividends in the coming months.

Also to our long serving physio John Branch for putting together all those broken bodies. How many more years will I be saying that about him?

To Adam Faherty for that extra mile he goes to get things organised for the boys and the work he does for the club.

A welcome back to Kevin Anderson after his operation and running the touch so well for us.

Of course a great thank you to our ever faithful supporters who travel to watch us, which can be a testing experience on occasions, but are always good humoured and are fully appreciated.

Lastly a sad farewell to my old playing companion and friend Colin Wiseman who has decided to step down from the chairmanship after seven long years. Marvellous achievement Colin and you can now relax and enjoy your rugby.

Graham Pratt (Manager)

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