JUST NOT ROCHFORD’S DAY

This was a very disappointing match especially as it was the final home game of the season in front of a large crowd and Rochford had the best of the first half with most of the possession and territory but ultimately fell short against a side that took their chances when offered them.

Although Rochford pride themselves on the strength of their forwards Cantabs. Also had a strong pack which started aggressively and did not allow the home team to settle early on but Rochford weathered the storm and forced the pace and attacked the cantabs.line continuously throughout the first session.

Forceful play from powerful flanker Max Bacon was rewarded when he broke free to run in for a well-deserved try to put his team into the lead.

Unfortunately this was short lived as, against the run of play, Cantabridgians broke away and their standoff sped through to score under the posts for a converted try.

Rochford continued to dominate for the rest of the half but no more score resulted from their efforts.

The home side’s lineout struggled early on with their opponents out jumping them but gradually Rochford found their technic again as Sam Tape, Scott Wheeler and Max Bacon won good ball .The set scrums were fiercely fought with the visitors having the edge but both packs used the driving maul to gain good territorial advantage.

Turning round 5-7 at half time was frustrating for the boys in black as they had so much of the game but paid the penalty of not being able to put points on the board.

The second half went against them soon after it started when the Cambridge team ran in for another try to extend their lead .The game became rather fractious with many stoppages and Rochford gave away a number of unnecessary penalties for ill-discipline and arguing with the referee, which is not a good idea at the best of times, surrendering territory to their gradually more confident opponents.

Yet another try conceded, this time converted, did not help their cause as Rochford became over anxious to find a further score.Cantabridgians could have gone further ahead except for a terrific try saving tackle by wing Louie Marshall.

The introduction of Gavin Tusini had an effect straight away as he used his power to break free to run through for a fine individual unconverted try.

Unfortunately time was running out for the Magnolia Road lads and in spite of some hectic attacking play and a yellow card offence against their opponents Rochford could not get back any initiative and Cantabridgians finished worthy winners in this low quality encounter.

Some good performances from the likes of Liam Bass, Bacon, Wheeler, Ricki Gould, Charlie Clarke and a number of others but as a team Rochford were found wanting and will need to really pick up the pace next week away at Sudbury.