END OF A DREAM

Rochford were firmly brought down to earth when their challenge in the National Cup competition came to an abrupt halt at Camberley.

The London South West leaders showed the Essex outfit that they have a way to go yet before they become the finished article.

The Surrey side’s 6 tries to 1 victory over their visitors was a lesson in fast, controlled, and efficient rugby and they fully deserved their success.

It all started so well for the boys in black as they seemed to be playing within themselves during opening exchanges and a terrific break by full back Mark Billings established them in their opponents twenty-two metre area,

From there Rochford launched a number of attacks which resulted in number eight Sam Fombo collecting the ball and powering over for a try in the corner.

This seemed to wake up the home team as they came straight back and after some fast running their speedy winger raced through to score and the try was duly converted.

More sustained pressure from Rochford gave Tom Ashton the opportunity to slot over a penalty kick to put his side in front again at 8 – 7.

That was as good as it got for them as Camberley replied with a penalty of their own before running in two more unconverted tries before half time to put them into a comfortable 20 – 8 lead.

The game was still within Rochford’s grasp with the sun behind them for the second session, but Camberley were well in control at this stage winning good loose ball and being quicker at the breakdown. Their counterattack produced results and their scrummage became gradually stronger. Rochford still did well in the lineout but that was not sufficient by itself without winning good ball in other areas. When they did win ball, Rochford appeared static compared to their opponents

Camberley did not allow Rochford to settle and were in their faces the whole match so that The Magnolia Road outfit just did not have the time or space to play their usual brand of rugby.

Three more converted tries and two penalty kicks by the home side finished off a tired and dejected Rochford who left the field knowing that they were well beaten by a better team on the day.

No real time for reflection as they now need to get back to the day job of winning their league and building on the lessons learnt on this painful afternoon.

Harlow away next Saturday which will not be an easy task especially after this game, but the boys will need to respond positively which I am sure they will do.