So it proved as Streets.fought all the way especially in the first half and forced the home side into errors and gave them plenty to think about during this entertaining match.

After dominating possession and territory for the first ten minutes against the high flying Rochford outfit without any reward Streets.gave away a penalty and Tom Ashton slotted it over to take the lead. Old Streetonians responded quickly and after some good attacking approach work their number eight forced himself over for a try which was duly converted.

Both sides wanted to play fast open rugby but Rochford seemed over anxious on occasions and made a number of unforced errors or wrong options as well as a little bad luck otherwise they could have scored more tries.

New hooker Kieran Payne applied himself well to his roll and grew in confidence as the game progressed. After one or two misunderstandings he began to find his jumpers and won his own ball in the tight quite comfortably.

The East Londoners kept the pressure up but Rochford always had the extra pace in the backs when the ball came their way.

So it was when centre Matt Stewart finished off a piece of excellent rugby to scorch through under the posts for Ashton to convert and edge their way back in front again.

Just before half time the visitors once again forced Rochford back on their line and were rewarded with their no.8 crashing over for his second try which was converted for them to finish the half 14 – 10 ahead.

A stern talking to at the break had the desired effect in the second session as Rochford went up a gear and in a period of 15 minutes showed their class and why they are top of the table.

Three tries in quick succession put the game out of reach of the hard working Old Streets side.

First a try by scrum half Dan Bracknell who charged down a clearance kick to ground the ball. Next up was wing Greg Stubbs who at last had the rub of the green to score after a number of near efforts.

Finally centre Tom Aston scored a fine individual try under the posts and converted it as well as the other two. Aston had a good afternoon with his boot converting all tries as well as the penalty .His line kicking was also influential in keeping the visitors under pressure and which allowed Rochford’s line out to be a launching pad for attacks at the Old Streets touchline.

Another player to have an impressive game was full back Robert Prior who’s running into the line and high kicks and chases very nearly resulted in further scores if the luck of the bounce had been kinder.

Number 8 George Chipper also contributed some skilful catches and aggressive drives to set up his forwards on many occasions.

The Old Streets. Kept trying to play quick running rugby but Rochford’s defence was, once again, up to the task and denied their frustrated opponents any further score.

Another good win under their belts and the obligatory bonus point but not one of the team’s best team performances with too many errors although in parts they showed real touches of class rugby .the team just needs to steady their nerves for the last two league games and play to their full potential. If they can do that the title will be theirs.

Next week a break from league action when Rochford play London Cornish at home in the Intermediate Cup.