ROCHFORD GET THEIR SEASON OFF WITH A BANG

Rochford started their league campaign with a quality performance, particularly in the first half, to run in seven excellent tries to see off a spirited Ignatians outfit on a warm afternoon at Enfield ideal for running rugby.

An early converted try by impressive wing Greg Stubbs after some fast, flowing play settled the team down quickly.

Rochford looked full of running and their forwards were winning good lineout and loose ball to put the home team under pressure. Number eight George Chipper was up next to score another fine try under the posts following some strong power play. Tom Ashton slotted over the second of his six conversion and the visitors were 14-0 up with only 15 minutes played.

During this first half Rochford completely out played the Enfield side and with a strong wind in their favour Ashton used the ball intelligently switching defence into attack with long raking kicks and from one of these wing Jack Hall chased and dived over for a stunning try.

Rochford’s set piece play was solid and good ball was always available and young scrum half Dan Bracknell fed his backs with gusto.

Next to score was ever youthful flanker Andy Baker following up to finish off another great piece of play to earn his team a bonus point under the new system. Ashton once again converted and there was no stopping the flow. Although, on occasions, Ignatians launched some promising attacks the visitors defence was firm enough and they counter attacked efficiently.

Lively wing Hall finished off the first half with his second try and Ashton kicked the conversion to bring the score to 33-0 at the break.

Rochford were the first to open the second session scoring with a Sean Conneely try running in from full back and Tom Ashton duly slotted over the conversion.

The second half was, however, a much closer affair as the home side fought back and Rochford eased off a little. With the wind behind them Ignatians put together some sustained attacking play and were rewarded with a well taken try converted by their fullback.

Enfield had more possession during this period and they made full use of it to score another try which was duly converted to bring the score to 40-14 to Rochford.

The away team needed to pick up their game to finish on a high and they did just that as stand off Dan Needham, looking very sharp ,out ran the Ignatians defence to score a terrific try and Ashton completed a successful afternoon with the kick.

An excellent start for the boys with forwards and backs combining well but still a great deal to work on especially as there are a number of absent first teamers to come back. Plenty of competition which can only be a good thing to bring out the best from the squad.

Canvey next week which will probably be a much sterner test for the team.

Team: Rowes, Corbet, Badger, Ellis, Muphy, Cuffy, Baker A, Chipper, Bracknell, Needham, Stubbs, Ashton, Stewart, Hall, Conneely.

Subs: Berry Jon. Dorrington, Baker J.

Report by Graham Pratt.