SEVEN TRY ROCHFORD RUN THROUGH TO ESSEX CUP FINAL

In an entertaining open game Essex Cup holders Rochford’s fitness and pace prevailed in the end against stubborn opposition.

A spirited Upminster side using their bigger forwards clawed their way back into contention before being overwhelmed by a five try second half blitz.

Rochford started at a fast pace and flanker Tom Corbet opened the scoring with a try which the excellent Matt Stewart converted.

This was soon followed by a Brett Smith try which Stewart again slotted over to put his team 14 – 0 ahead.

In spite of a changed side and the loss of captain Sam Tape the lighter Rochford pack held their own in the set scrum and won good ball from the line out where Ross Murphy and Jake Knowles fought so well all afternoon.

After such a fast and speedy start the home’s side’s momentum began to wane in the latter part of the first half and the big Upminster forwards started to win better possession and territory and their efforts were rewarded with a try just before the turn round with the scoreboard showing 14 -5 and were well in the game.

The second half continued in the same way with Rochford having to defend and unable to gain useful ball and the visitors narrowed the score with another try to trail just 10-14 and it was game on.

The visitors nearly scored another try as they broke away and it was only full back Jon Baker’s last gasp tackle that saved the situation.

Gradually, however, the home team’s extra fitness and speed took its toil on the gutsy Upminster outfit and more errors crept into their game.

Rochford pressure told and, first Tom Corbet went over for his second try and then, not to be outdone, Smith scored his second try. The boot of Stewart converted both efforts and Rochford were suddenly ahead 28-10.

Into the last twenty minutes and it was now all Rochford as Upminster tired noticeably and the boys in black exploited that as Sam Edwards ran through to finish off a good move and then Matt Stewart scorching away to ground the ball under the posts. Both tries converted by the immaculate Stewart.

Rampant Rochford finished off their scoring when Tom Corbet went over for his third try and that man Matthew Stewart added the extra points in a 100 per cent tally for the afternoon.

Some sloppy play by Rochford in the dying minutes allowed the opposition to score a consolation try which was duly converted much to the delight of the Upminster team.

Well done to all the squad including young Alex Harbrow getting a taste of first team rugby and the return of Dan Bracknell after some time out this season.

Rochford now will play either Campion or South Woodham Ferrers in the final on 25th April.

Back to league action next week with the very long journey up to Holt and will have to gear themselves up for a much tighter encounter.