Another good team performance and try bonus point win for this evolving Rochford team who, for the most part, outplayed their opponents in this absorbing encounter.

Rochford created enough chances to have scored more points but will be satisfied with the way they played and, none more so than stand-off Simon Ashton who produced a 100% kicking display with five conversions and scored a try as well to knock up 15 points.

From the start the home team attacked hard and impressive acting captain Tom Corbet crashed over for a try with Ashton adding the two extra points.

Romford responded with a penalty kick to reduce the deficit but Rochford kept the pressure on and were unlucky not to increase their lead but a combination of good Romford defence and last second errors denied them more points. Their set scrum looked strong where second row Scott Wheeler continues to impress and the lineout worked well where Richard Mott, Greg Whight and Scott Horsburgh won plenty of good ball.

There was no more scoring until the last few minutes of the half when a breakaway try by the visitors duly converted put them into the lead.

Rochford struck back almost straight away when, after a fine move,
Ashton glided through to ground under the posts and he slotted over the conversion to put his side back ahead 14 -10 at the break.

The second half started as the first one with Corbet going over for his second try, and duly converted.

Romford went up a gear and applied pressure which resulted in a penalty which they kicked over and at 21- 13 the home team found they were not getting it all their own way.

Rochford are becoming a side full of character and this showed over the rest of the half as they responded with some good running rugby and plenty of forward power. From this came the next score when Rochford’s pack drove over and number eight Scott Horsburgh emerged with a smile on his face after grounding the ball for the fourth try and Ashton, once again, added the extra.

In the backs credit to them all for the way they went about their business with Brett Smith making some powerful runs and Robert Prior showing touches of class in the centre. Wing Jon Baker had a fine game with plenty of strong runs and stout defence and his efforts were rewarded with an excellent try late in the game. Ashton finished off his successful afternoon with the conversion.

Romford kept playing hard and never gave up the fight and in the dying minutes went over for a consolation try.

Rochford are beginning to show a larger degree of confidence in their play but must concentrate on their discipline and finishing as they certainly created enough chances through their high tempo running play and need to convert this into more points.