ONE DOWN, TWO TO GO !

They were in the lions den against a strong, young and very talented Romford outfit, complete with their contingent of Lithuanian players. Add in a background of wind and rain against a determined side that had everything to play for and coming off a string of impressive wins Sam tape’s boys stepped up to the mark.
For a neutral it, perhaps, was not a grand affair as there were too many stoppages for infringements from a fussy referee and minor injuries.
One could also argue that the Rochford back line was not firing on all cylinders but they were never allowed too and it was not that sort of match as it was always going too be a tight and very close fought encounter.
You cannot, however, always measure games on the basis of flowing exhibition rugby as there is much more to a game of rugby than mere spectacle.
This was a match where Romford forced the play and threw everything they had at Rochford and in the end it was for nothing as magnificent Rochford soaked it all up and spat it back at them.
The match started with both teams seeming nervous and making errors with Rochford getting the better of exchanges and were unlucky not to score an early try.
Tom Ashton made up for that by slotting over a penalty kick to take the lead but soon after Leon Sarikovas of Romford finished off a sweeping movement by diving over for an unconverted try.
There was no more score for the rest of the half but that does not tell the full story as an increasingly more confident Romford started to win good ball and launched attack after attack at the Rochford line.
The defence held fast with some of the hardest and defiant tackling seen all season with everbody putting their bodies on the line, none more so than the tremendous back row of Alan Barker, Andy Baker and George Chipper who saved their team from further scoring on a number of occasions.
Romford also had at least three penalty attempts missed which did not help their cause.
With the elements in their favour in the second half Rochford kicked over another penalty curtsey of Tom Ashton to take the lead again. The set scrums were keenly contested with Romford getting the better ball and lineouts were even with both sides winning a fair share, although Romford did steal some ball to make things difficult for the “home“ side.
Where the game was fought out was in the open and loose play with Romford using good won ball to full advantage using their skilful and fast young backs but only to be knocked down like ninepins and driven back by outstanding Rochford defence.
In the backs Darren Spencer, Ashton, Dan Needham tackled like demons and forwards such as Scott Chivers, Brian McMahon, Sam Tape and the ever present Matt Norris and all kept Romford at bay. A battle weary James Forbes who was at the centre of the action all afternoon took a well earned rest and replacement scrum half Simon Webb took over bringing all his experience to bear in the nail biting final minutes.
As in all such games there is a moment, a little window of opportunity, that has to be taken and that came with Rochford hanging on at 6 – 5 and Romford forcing the play. An attack was mounted and quick hands found space for the impressive flanker Andy Baker to appear from nowhere to take the scoring pass and run in under the posts. Ashton was not going to miss that kick which he didn’t and Rochford were suddenly two scores ahead with only minutes remaining.
This was probably the longest few minutes of many a supporter’s lives as we on the touchline stood in awe of the ferocity of the battle as Romford threw everything at the stout Rochford defence as it held firm with a massive display of organised resistance.
The “visitors“ knew the game was up as errors were made as they over extended themselves and could easily in those last seconds have given away more points but the final whistle came and it was game won.
Once again it is a pleasure to speak highly of our team who never fail to amaze me and, I hope many others,on their strength of collective character against the odds and we should all be proud of their achievements this season.
With two more crucial matches to go we are almost there and with the positive support of our loyal followers I am sure they will finish in style.
A very well done lads.

Team: Chivers, McMahon, Berry, Tape, Norris, Barker, Baker, Chipper, Forbes (Webb S), Needham, Stewart, Spencer, Ashton, Baker, J.Barnes, Ansell, Murphy.