Match Report by Graham Pratt

Early exchanges showed that the boys Romford were going to be a hard nut to crack and just had the better of the play in the first half. Rochford looked fit and were full of running but lacked cohesion and fell foul of some refereeing decisions as well as making basic errors to allow the visitors to maintain their edge.
Romford opened the scoring with a penalty before Tom Ashton replied with one of his own and Romford then went ahead again with another penalty.
They were the only scores of a disjointed and typical first game affair with both sides putting in the effort ,and although there were some promising pieces of play neither side could settle down into any pattern.
With the visitors only 6-3 in front at the break in spite of looking sharper Rochford looked to capitalise on their fitness and skills to give them the advantage in the second half.
However it was an incident straight from kick off that galvanised them into digging deep into their character to give them this victory.
From a high, soaring kick off prop Josh Berry who had been showing his playing potential off during the game mistimed his low crashing tackle into the ball catcher to hit the man without the ball was red carded and Rochford realised that they had to get their act together if they were not to be overcome.
With the likes of Matt.Norris,Brian McMahon, Ross Murphy, David Coombe, and Ryan Stephenson to call on for experience and young George Chipper and Scott Chivers etc to give extra commitment the forwards started to win good ball again.
The scrums and lineout started to take shape and they competed more in the rucks and maul which impressive Ashton used to full advantage sending kicks into all corners and getting his backs into action more often.
From some sustained pressure Rochford forced Romford back on their line and centre Darren combining with Ashton split the defence open to run through the gap to score.
A fitting celebration of the recent birth of his baby girl. Ashton converted and suddenly the game had taken a significant turn. Now Rochford were in front and their opponents had to throw everything into attack to get back into the match.
To their credit that is exactly what they did as pressure saw them cross the line for a try but were unable to convert. During this period Stephenson had to visit the sin bin and Rochford really worked hard at keeping control.
They were one point adrift with time ebbing away but after one failed penalty attempt that just missed the posts a far harder effort from Tom Ashton went straight through the uprights to put his men two points ahead.
They held on and the final whistle must have sounded great as fourteen very weary men had pulled off a morale boosting win which successfully tested their character and fitness so early in the season.

For Interest - Here's Romfords Match Report !
Romford 1st XV travelled to Rochford seeking a fast start the their league campaign. Close to their strongest XV, it was definitely an opportunity to come away with the points.
Romford kicked off down the slope and immediately set about pressing Rochford in defence, trying to force the errors. With the new ELV's and certain guidance provided to referees for the season, the referee was quick to clamp down on any breakdown indiscretions, possibly too quick at times.
Within 5 mins, Romford were awarded a penalty just outside the Rochford 22, duly converted by Dave Gilmore. Immediately from the restart, Rochford came back at the visitors, their 12 in particular constantly challenging the Romford defence. Again the referee spotted an infringement on the deck and gave the home side the chance to level the scores, which they did. 3-3.
The Romford of last season may well have wilted under the pressure, but this is a side with more resolve this year and immediately they went down the Rochford end, constantly putting pressure on the opposition and also making yards in attack. The pressure told though and Romford were awarded another penalty, this time a little further to the left. Gilmore couldn't quite convert and the scores remained tied.
Within 2mins though, Rochford impeded again in front of their posts and Gilmore stepped up to give the visitors the lead once more.
Romford continued to press knowing the first try would make the difference but were hindered when Centre Lu Sarkus was sin binned for allegedly coming in from the side. Within minutes, Number 8 Ricky Howard joined him on the sidelines for a late tackle although the opposition seemed as surprised as Romford at the decision.
Having to play out the final 8mins of the half with 13 men stretched Romford, however they withstood the pressure on their line until half time where they could collect their thoughts and breath!
Within 10 seconds of the restart, Rochford were reduced to 14 men for the remainder of the game when the Rochford Tighthead floored Washbourne without the ball.
As is often the case, this galvanised Rochford and they went on the offensive. For 5 minutes they pounded away at the Romford line without success and from then on the game ebbed up and down the pitch as both teams attacked from broken play.
A stupid penalty given away on the Romford 10m line allowed Rochford to kick for the corner and from the resulting lineout the ball went through three phases before their Inside Centre crashed over the line. The conversion successful and the home side led 10-6.
Rather than feel sorry for themselves, Romford were straight back on the attack. Several times they came close to the score only for a last ditch tackle or an inaccurate last pass to let them down.
Eventually one move stuck and captain John Davies crossed to put the visitors back in the lead. The conversion missed and the lead was one point.
Almost immediately, Romford were penalised for hands in the ruck, leaving Rochford with a very kickable penalty. Luckily for Romford, it was hooked wide and they were reprieved. Clearly having not learnt their lesson, 5 minutes later they gave away another penalty on the 10m line and this time the Rochford kicker made no mistake to give them the lead 13-11.
Romford piled forward and looked the stronger side going into the last quarter however once again the final pass let them down and several chances went begging. Eventually a penalty was conceded however Romford failed to capitalise and with it went the chance to win.
The final whistle went and it was very much a missed opportunity by Romford to get their season off to a flyer.