ROCHFORD PUSH SAFFRON ALL THE WAY

In this hard fought, competitive, and good quality match Rochford, once again, came off second best. This time, however, Saffron had to play well to get the result as Rochford made them have to work hard for their victory.

The conditions were ideal for running rugby which gave the visitors an advantage with their high tempo game but Rochford knew what to expect and tackled like demons.

Their determination paid off as they went ahead with a well struck penalty kick by Scott Horsburgh but it was short lived as Pacey Saffron scored a try to go ahead.

The home outfit were stretched on a number of occasions but their dogged defence and some good ball play kept the north Essex side at bay until midway through the half.

Another try by the opposition quickly followed by another which was converted took them to 17-3 at half time.

Rochford knew they had to up their game in the second half and a fourth Saffron try early on did not help their cause and the game seemed to be slipping away from them.

The boys in black are a much stronger and more aggressive side than in the previous encounter and they showed it in this game as they started to fight back.

The set scrum was hard fought and both sides had their moments, and the line out was even with Sam Tape, Greg White and Scott Wheeler winning good ball.

Mostly the game was played at a fast pace and the loose was where a great deal of the action took place and Rochford more than held their own in this phase.

The likes of Wheeler, Tom Corbet, Scott Chivers and other did sterling work to supply scrum half Rickie Gould good ball.

It was Gould who supplied the spark as he scored an excellent try which was converted by super sub Gavin Tusini halfway through the half.

Centres Brett Smith and Michael Stemp not only tackled furiously but they made hard yards to take the game to the league leaders.

This paid off when wing Louis Marshall was given space and he ran in for a try to put his team only 15-22 behind.

The clock, unfortunately, was working against the home side but they kept the pressure on.

Rochford were further hampered by two late yellow cards and had to hold out with thirteen men which to their credit they did admirably.

Unfortunately a late penalty to Saffron Walden was kicked over to take away any chance of a losing bonus point and Saffron were able to weather the storm and finish worthy winners.

Having said that we must not take it away from Hundred who played extremely well and contributed to a very entertaining match of good quality and will still feel confident of finishing strongly in the remaining matches to come.