ROCHFORD’S POWER SHINES THROUGH

For long periods of this highly competitive and hard fought match both teams battled it out for supremacy but in the end Rochford put on a terrific second half display when it was needed and ran out deserved winners on the day.

The first half was a frantic affair with a number of errors being made and a high penalty count on both sides.

Rochford did not help their own cause by failing to clear their lines adequately on occasions and allowed Woodham to counter attack, putting themselves under pressure again.

Although Rochford dominated territory for most of the half Woodham had the edge in the set scrum and lineouts but the visitors created more chances but were unable until late on in the half to put points on the board.

When the score came it was lively scrum half Ricki Gould who created it, breaking along the touchline and feeding wing Matt White who ran in at the corner.

An excellent conversion from Scott Horsburgh added the extra two points.

Tackling was fierce throughout the game with Rochford defence sound and South Woodham having to fight hard and sometimes over enthusiastically to keep their opponents at bay , which led to penalties being awarded against them.

From one such right before the end of a very long first half Scott Horsburgh booted over to add a further three points to take the score line at the break 10-0 to Rochford.

The second half was an entirely different affair as Rochford increased the tempo with the introduction of Gavin Tusini in the centre as well as back row Max Bacon coming on for the injured Greg Whight.

Straight away Tusini’s strength showed when he powered his way through for a fine individual try and soon after scored again to take his side to a commanding 20-0 lead.

The Rochford pack started to get the better of their rivals and the lineout became much better with flanker Brett. Smith pouching a number of loose throws at the back and Tape and Wheeler catching good ball as well.

Rochford’s set scrum became stronger and steadier as the game wore on and the tide began to turn.

Now Gould was able to provide standoff Dan Needham with plenty of quick ball which he used, showing classy touches to get his back line into gear.

Next up was Ricki Gould with a neat try of his own to bring up the bonus try point and which Horsburgh converted.

The visitors were now firmly in the driving seat but take nothing away from gutsy South Woodham as they kept pushing hard for a score although showing signs of tiredness. They ran the ball at Rochford who had to defend well to keep their opponents out which they did admirably.

Late in the half South Woodham’s efforts were rewarded with an opportunist try under the posts which was duly converted.

Rochford had the last say in proceedings as just before the final whistle impressive second row Scott Wheeler crashed over to score and Gavin Tusini converted the try to bring an entertaining game to an end.

Good performances all round and a fine display of attacking and defending from newly arrived Charlie Clarke playing out of position at full back and showed that he will only get better with more game time.

Other good efforts from Liam Bass, who was a live wire in the loose all afternoon making many yards and Scott Chivers who did likewise.

Dan Needham’s quick hands and feet were always a worry for the home team and Michael Stemp showed his power in the centre with his bulldozing runs. Wing Louie Marshall also played well and then there was Gavin Tusini who just did what he does so well with his power and strength making holes in the defence and creating the chances.

In the end a very pleasing result and Rochford can look forward to an Essex Cup Semi Final at home next Saturday against old rivals Romford and Gidea Park.