ROCHFORD’S YOUNG GUNS SHOW THE WAY

After a number of late cry offs coach Mark Sexton might have thought that it was going to be a trying day for his team but his selection of the young talent available together with a few “ older heads“ stepped up to the mark to see Rochford through to the next round of the National Intermediate Cup.

In a terrific first half Rochford stormed to a 20 points to 0 half time lead and were good value for it.

Within the first few minutes Tom Ashton,playing at stand off sped through for an excellent try after some quick moving back play.Shortly after he slotted over a penalty kick and the team were 8 points up within 15 minutes.

From the off it was apparent that Rochford were determined to take the game to Beccles with forwards and backs combining well to produce some fast and powerful rugby.The set scrum looked secure and quite capable of competing against a bigger and aggressive pack but it was in the lineout where the visitors were completely dominant.Hooker Tom Corbet’s throwing in was finding Sam Tape, Billy Ellis,Ross Murphy and George Chipper every time using this as a platform for attack and providing scrum half Dan Bracknell with plenty of good ball to launch his backs .

In the centre the pairing of Michael Stemp and Nick Brown complemented each other with the power of Stemp and the pace of Brown causing all sorts of problems for the stretched Beccles defence.

The impressive no.8 George Chipper was once again having a terrific game and he used his power and speed to drive over for a try which Ashton converted to increase their lead to 15 – 0.and to finish off an excellent first session centre Brown glided through the home defence to score another try.

The second half started brightly enough for the Essex outfit when stand off Ashton finished off a well developed move to increase the score to 25 – 0

Beccles knew they had to up their game otherwise they would be soundly beaten and that was just what they did.

The Suffolk side began to control the ball supply better and used their big forwards to drive through the middle and using long kicks to pin back Rochford .

Their efforts were rewarded by a well taken try from their prop forward to reduce the arrears and for the rest of the game generally had the balance of play.

Rochford had further chances but conditions were not favouring them and began to look a little tired but the introduction of subs.Gavin Dyer, Young Ricky Wiseman in the front row and Louis Warner on the flank gave them more energy . Second team captain Paul Head even had a rare opportunity to get a first team outing which he took with pleasure .Rochford's good defence kept their opponents at bay for the remainder of the half until the final moments.

Beccles kept the pressure on and right at the end of the game their stand off sped over for a try which he converted and then the referee blew for the end of the match.

Rochford can be pleased with a job well done although disappointed to give away the final points.Particular thanks to the players that stepped in at short notice and I am sure they will have plenty more opportunities to shine.