ROCHFORD PROGRESS TO SEMI FINAL

The afternoon was sunny but bitterly cold and the pitch was in good condition, although it started to cut up in the second half. Brentwood brought along a good workmanlike side who meant business and were intent to use their pack to control the game. Their backs were prepared to run the ball but were rather one dimensional and came off second best against the more skilful and fitter Rochford outfit.
In the end the difference between the teams were two top quality tries by the home side and a higher degree of organisation and fitness level. Rochford also knew that, by their own high standards, they did not play as well as they should have and more tries went begging.
After an initial strong opening of play by the visitors Rochford burst alive with some stunning approach work to Brentwood’s twenty metre area and won good ball to send along the back line. Drawing and passing at speed through secure hands the ball found Greg Stubbs on the wing who sped round his opposite number to score a first class try to open Rochford’s account.
Rochford’s set scrummage worked tirelessly all afternoon giving nothing away against their bigger opponents and in fact became stronger as the afternoon progressed. In spite of missing the talents of Ryan Stephenson the lineout where Sam Tape, Bradley Day and George Chipper won good quality ball functioned in its usual efficient manner.
Surprisingly there was no more score up to half time, although as I mentioned Rochford created the chances to widen the shoreline but were unable to find that killer blow.
As the game continued in the second session the pitch deteriorated and the game became a little bogged down with plenty of forward exchanges where Alan Barker was very evident, ably assisted by young Michael Stemp. Scrum half James Forbes, who has had a very good season so far was instrumental in so much of the action and stand off Dan Needham looked particularly dangerous every time he had the ball.
Another player who looked very secure and has grown in stature is Sam Barnes at full back showing composure and class under the high slippery ball and his counter attacking kept Brentwood on their toes. In fact it was Needham who score the try that was a credit to the team and their coaches. Brentwood had fought very well and were always trying to get back the upper hand but they gradually started to run out of steam and Rochford’s higher fitness showed as they forced back the opposition into their twenty two area and a combination of forward drive and superior handing skills saw the ball passed rapidly through many hands and Tom Ashton supplied the killer punch with a lovely pass to Dan Needham who stormed over under the posts. Ashton converted and the game was won.
Yes, they could have played better and certainly should have scored more points and the scoreline slightly flatted the opposition but Brentwood are never an easy side to play and perhaps will give them heart when Rochford travel to Brentwood in few weeks time. Having said that the boys have achieved another good win and are into the semi final of the Cup and there is a confidence within this side that they have the skill and determination to achieve the success this season that all their hard work warrants.
Team: Chivers, McMahon, Wright, Tape, Day (Murphy) Barker, Stemp, Chipper, Forbes, Needham, Stubbs, Spencer, Ashton, Barber (Stewart), Barnes, Dyer, Baker A. Webb S.