SO NEAR BUT ALSO SO FAR

This was a game between Rochford’s excellent forward power and Norwich’s speedy back division and which, in the end, was won by Norwich scoring five tries to Rochford’s two.

The Essex outfit deserved more from this game as they had their chances created mostly through their superior forward play but allowed Norwich too much space out wide and were punished for it.

The visitors started better with an early Scott Horsburgh try, playing out of position in the centre, and duly converted by Simon Ashton to put them in front.

Norwich, however, responded well and threw the ball out along the backs to create an overlap and scored in the corner.

This was quickly followed up by another similar effort and again by yet another in a space of ten minutes and the home team were 15 -7 up and looked as if they were going to take full control.

This period of play exposed, somewhat, more of Rochford’s lack of experience and depth in the back division than the superiority of Norwich’s backline.

Take nothing away from the Norfolk outfit as they knew where the spaces were and used them to advantage.

Rochford were beginning to get the upper hand in set scrum and in the loose with some fine driving runs and were unlucky not to go over for a score but a penalty by Simon Ashton reduced the score line to 10 -15.

The score stayed the same up to half time but Rochford attacked straight away in the second session and debutant full back Jon Fitzpatrick finished off a fast move to score and for Ashton to kick the extra two points to put his side ahead again.

It was short lived, however, as Norwich slotted over a penalty but Ashton once again responded with another of his own.

The game was very tight but Norwich were always looking to move the ball wide and were rewarded with their fourth and bonus point try to regain the lead but more pressure from the Essex boys allowed Ashton to bring the scores level with a good penalty kick.

The match went into the last few minutes and the home team launched a number of attacks which eventually led to them diving over for their fifth try.

Right at the death Norwich forced a penalty and their kicker duly put the ball over to deny a very disappointed Rochford any points from this hard fought game.

Rochford can feel their hard work and commitment should have earned them more from this match but there were a number of positive aspects to their play not the least the way the pack is beginning to gel.

The team will need to up their game next week when they entertain Campion at Magnolia Road