SPENCER INSPIRES ROCHFORD TO A HARD FOUGHT WIN

Another satisfying victory and a bonus point to keep Rochford in top spot .It was not before having to subdue a good Saffron Walden side who tested the home team’s defence throughout a competitive ,and for the most part,entertaining match.

The set back of losing captain Sam Tape through illness was offset by the return of Ryan Stephenson who had a great game before retiring because of a shoulder injury.

All the team had to work hard but none better than the outstanding flanker Darren Spencer who was involved in everything from attack to defence.

Saffron started the game as the more positive side and applied constant pressure for the first quarter without turning territory into points.

As is often the case with this Rochford outfit they absorbed pressure like a sponge and then come back to score.This was the case when they were able to put together some fast flowing rugby and centre Tom Ashton finished off with a try.

The majority of the half was a stop,start affaire due to a number of stoppages due to injuries or over use of the referee’s whistle, but it did not stop another Rochford try just before half time.

Number eight George Chipper, having another fine match, stormed over for Ashton to convert and put the home side ahead 12 – 0 at the break.

Rochford needed to increase the tempo in the second session against a Saffron side that wanted to run the ball at their opponents whenever they had the chance and this they did with effect.

Saffron Walden’s set scrum was strong and they fought hard in the loose but were second best in the lineout where Stephenson, Ellis and later Ross Murphy together with Chipper were dominant.

Gradually the boys in black began to win better and quicker ball which young scrum half Dan Bracknell duly used to launch Dan Needham and his back division moving the ball at pace.

Pressure on the Saffron line after a number of good phases saw the ball come out to Ashton who showed some sublime skills to glide in under the posts for his second try which he duly converted himself.

Ashton later had to leave the field due to injury together with Stephenson but a reshuffle did not affect the balance too much and the set scrum remained very solid with Rowe,Corbet and Coombe providing a good anchor.Lineout still continued to supply good ball with Murphy doing some sterling work at the back of the line.

The game progressed to the final quarter and it became clear that Rochford were in the driving seat now and hooker Corbet emphasised this point when he scored an excellent individual try to settle the result and secure the bonus point.

It was a well deserved win and also not conceding any points was pleasing .An excellent team performance against another good ,hard side who once again tested the excellent Rochford defence which was not found wanting and at the heart of this defence is Darren Spencer and all the others who work so hard and effectively every week.