Rochford coach Cleare praises side's reaction after local derby win

ROCHFORD Hundred head coach Danny Cleare was delighted to see his side get back to winning ways at local rivals Westcliff.

Rochford triumphed 33-22 at the Gables in Regional One South East.

And Cleare was pleased with how Hundred were able to pick up maximum points, just seven days after a disappointing 55-31 defeat to Tring.

“It’s obviously really pleasing to move on from last week’s disappointment by taking maximum points at our neighbours a week later,” said Cleare.

“Saturday was generally how we expected it to go.

“We knew they had some dangerous backs and we knew we would have the superior pack and that’s how the game went really.

“They looked to counter attack and we looked to keep it fairly tight and sit behind our set piece.

“But in the first half we were far too wasteful and left four or five really easy scores out there.

“In the second half we were a lot more controlled and clinical when we got close to their line.”

That led to Rochford bagging a hard fought win which saw them move up to third in the table.

But it was marred by Hundred picking up two more injuries, including a serious looking setback for Nathan Lockwood.

“It’s no secret that our injury list is already ridiculous and it’s all players in the backline,” said Cleare.

“We lost another two on Saturday.

“Damien (Brambley) has pulled his hammy and Nathan had a horrendous leg break in the first minute of the match.

“Nathan has had surgery and is in positive spirits looking forward to getting back out there as soon as possible.

“But you can’t help but feel sorry for the young lad.”

In contrast it was another tough afternoon for Westcliff, who were relegated alongside Rochford from National League Two East last season.

However, Westcliff have now lost three opening three matches of the new campaign, much to the frustration of head coach Jimmy Rea.

“Rochford did a really good job at stifling our game,” said Rea.

“They slowed us down at every opportunity and they had a strong pack which we managed to control at the end of the game.

“Once again we scored first but struggled to stay on top.

“We concentrated in training really hard at coming away with points every time we entered their 22, which did show on Saturday.

“The lads are developing their game at a rapid rate and it won’t be long until we see something really special.”

Westcliff are now bottom of the table but will be looking to bag a morale boosting win at home to seventh placed Bedford Athletic.

Rochford host second from bottom Hertford.