Rochford achieved the result they needed to keep themselves at the top of the table in an entertaining, open game of rugby with both sides wanting to score tries.

Unfortunately for Harlow it was Rochford who managed 8 to their one but the visitors can look back and think themselves unlucky not to have scored at least a couple more.

Having said that if Rochford managed to keep the ball in hand instead of being guilty of some loose passing they could easily have gone over for more as well.

In a display of, on occasions , some of the most scintillating speedy rugby seen all season the boys in black certainly deserved their victory but will need to be tighter against Ignatians in the final match in two weeks time.

Impressive flanker Michael Stemp opened the scoring with a try which Tom Ashton converted before hooker Tom Corbet stormed over for another converted effort.

Next up was centre Matt.Stewart, back at his best, to scorch through for the first of his three tries.Again Ashton converted before Harlow,who were full of enterprise and determination broke away to get on the score sheet with a well taken converted try.

Two more tries before half time, another for Stewart and one from wing Greg.Stubbs both converted by Ashton took the score to 35 -7

Rochford’s lineout was functioning well to create plenty of good ball to the backs where stand off Dan Needham was having a commanding game, making breaks and linking with Ashton and Stewart who increasingly became a dominant force as the match progressed.

Harlow kept working at keeping their opponents at bay but found Rochford more than a handful with a tide of fast, flowing attacks to repulse .

Some rather loose play crept into Rochford’s game and passes which normally would have found the mark went astray and a degree of kick and chase took place which did not result in any advantage to them and upset the flow.

Rochford did pull themselves together again and a further try by Stemp and one from full back Robert Prior added to the tally

Harlow made a mockery of their lowly position with some good, fast rugby and a break by the Harlow wing should have resulted in a deserved try but a last second wrong option and some terrific defence by full back Prior denied them.

A final try by Stewart, to give him his hat- trick , was only fitting after a fine personal performance but the boys knew that more points went begging and they still have not really played to their full potential as a team.

One more game to go and it would be marvellous if that could happen against Enfield Ignatians Saturday week to put the icing on the cake.