A MORALE BOOSTING WIN FOR ROCHFORD

At last Rochford got back into winning ways with a bonus point victory against a young but spirited Campion outfit that never gave up the fight.

A lively and aggressive start by Rochford was soon counteracted by an interception pass by a Campion player who ran in under the posts to put his side 7-0 in as many minutes.

Captain Matt Stewart reduced the deficit with a penalty kick and Rochford continued their onslaught through their forwards, where Max Bacon’s power impressed, and in the backs where Stephen Jay used all his speed and experience to launch a number of attacks on the Campion line.

Their efforts were rewarded when flanker Nik Grier powered over to score an excellent try and Stewart added the extra two points to put his side 10-7 in the lead.

Playing up the hill in the first half did not appear to restrict Rochford’s attacking ability although some sloppy passing and inaccurate kicking and stout Campion defence stopped any more scoring.

The visitor’s dominance had to pay off and it was down to Matt Stewart who finished off a well worked move to go over for Rochford’s second try.

Just before the break Campion again broke away to score a converted try and the visitors turned round only 15-14 ahead.

The boys in black were playing much better than of late with lineout where Greg.Whight controlled the back and Bevan the middle and in the set scrum where Max Bacon was making his return felt.

Playing down the slope in the second half helped Rochford maintain pressure and another fast flowing move along the line saw returning winger Louie Marshall get the overlap and race in for a terrific try.

The bonus point try came from Sam Edwards after some aggressive running and Stewart duly converted to take the visitors into what should have been a commanding lead of 27-14.

Campion however had other ideas and were always dangerous with ball in hand and their determination resulted in two penalties from their efficient kicker to keep them in touch at 27-20.

This week Rochford were not going to let the game go and more attacking play drove them back down to the home side’s try line and an excellent driving maul by the forwards created the chance for the impressive Grier to dive over and for Stewart to kick the conversion to finish off a successful afternoon’s work.

Many pluses for Michael Guess to take from the game such as continued good lineout work, solid and powerful scrummage and some strong and lively loose play together with a very good defensive effort.

The team still need to work on their discipline and to cut out some wild kicking but overall a very pleasing performance.