ROCHFORD THROUGH TO THE NEXT ROUND

Rochford progress to the next round of the National Intermediate Cup after a challenging and sometimes frustrating encounter with the West London side.

The score line, once again, does not reflect the full story as this was a hard-fought match against a gritty and determined opposition that gave as good as they got.

The first half was especially tough for the visitors as they turned round at the break only 17 - 11 ahead when, perhaps, they should have had more points on the board as chances were squandered through poor finishing and some general errors in their play.

Credit must be given to Hammersmith and Fulham as they took on their more exalted opponents up front and in the backs and not allowing Rochford to settle into any sort of rhythm.

It was a frustrating first session with a number of stoppages and with the home side taking an early lead through a try the Essex boys knew they were going to have to work for a result.

Thankfully flanker Stuart Whatling went over to level the score and the game needed a spark to get it going.

Well there is nobody better than the talented full back Mark Billings to fill that role and he came up trumps with a try that it seems only he can score.

From inside his twenty-metre line Mark jinxed swerved, sped and mesmerised the opposition to run through them all and score, unopposed under the posts. Tom Ashton converted and we all just enjoyed the moment.

Not so Hammersmith but they came back to put pressure on the Rochford defence which resulted in a give away penalty which produced another 3 points for the West London side and brought them to just 12- 8 behind.

A late try by all action prop Craig Strachan helped Rochford’s nerves to edge them to a 17-8 lead but Hammersmith added another 3 points with a late penalty kick to put them behind by just 6 points at the break.

The London outfit started the second half well and their efforts were reward with another converted try after a good breakaway which put them into the lead again at 17-18 and Rochford knew they had to respond quickly which is exactly what they did with a 31-point blitz.

Five tries, three of which were converted by Ashton without response broke the home team’s spirit and tiredness crept into their game.

The first was another fine effort from Billings followed by strong flanker Joseph Hurley going over and a try by wing Mitch Bennett who made up for earlier missed opportunities.

Experienced and powerful no.8 James Kellard was the fourth player to score before a final try by centre and captain Matt Stewart ended proceedings.

Rochford’s class told in the end but for long periods it was a competitive and even game and the team know that by their standards they did not perform at their best.

Having said that it was a workmanlike away win against good opposition and they can now look forward to the next round on 18th November after knowing the draw on this coming Wednesday.

Back to league action on Saturday with an interesting encounter against Woodford at home.