ROCHFORD LOSE UNBEATON RECORD

Rochford failed to tame an aggressive and workmanlike Braintree outfit but managed a losing bonus point and stay on top of the table.

On the balance of play the home side just about deserved the win but it was a close thing with Rochford pushing their hosts all the way.

This game was always going to be a tight one with both sides having so much at stake but it was the boys in black that began better and were ahead through a Tom Ashton penalty kick within 5 minutes of the start.

Rochford looked very lively and took the game to Braintree and were unlucky not to put more points on the board but it was the home side that scored next when their winger raced over for a breakaway try.

Both teams competed hard for supremacy in the tight scrum but neither pack found dominance but it was in the lineout where Braintree gradually took the upper hand and Rochford did not have their usual supply of good ball which Braintree exploited throughout the afternoon.

The visitors regained the lead from an excellent try from the impressive flanker Andy Baker with good support from the Rochford pack.

That was about as good as it got for the rest of the half as Braintree struck back with some fast ball play to allow their no.13 to crash over for a converted try.In the final moments of the first half Braintree were awarded a penalty which their centre duly slotted over to put them 15 – 8 up at the break.

Rochford came out for the second session more positively and put together some enterprising play and were rewarded when young wing Sean Conneely ,who has shown real progress this season, sped over for a timely try which Ashton converted to put Rochford back on level pegging.

This tight and competitive match progressed with the home side gradually winning and keeping more possession and Rochford were unable to get sufficient good ball to put their opponents under pressure.

In fact Braintree became far more confident with ball in hand and late in the game after pounding the Rochford line their no.12 found the space to run in a try which he converted.

Time was running out fast for the Magnolia lads but a final effort forced Braintree back and to give away a penalty.Up stepped Ashton to reduce the arrears to four points and the last tormenting minutes was organised chaos as both teams fought it out but the final whistle blew and a jubilant Braintree came away with the spoils.

In spite of the loss there were some very good performances , particularly no.8 George Chipper who had an excellent second half and hooker Tom Cornet who was everywhere in the loose. At full back Dan Allen was all power as he made some penetrating brakes into the heart of the Braintree defence. Darren Spencer and Andy Baker spent all afternoon tackling anything that moved and Dan Bracknell kept working like a ferret at the base of the scrum.

Rochford will need to put some extra work in at training especially on their lineout play before they take on Romford in a couple of weeks.

For the most part the Rochford defence was strong although a couple of lapses did allow Braintree through to score.

A change of direction next week as the team travel ,once again, up to Beccles in the National Intermediate Cup with a chance to recharge their batteries before entering the league arena again.