ROCHFORD HIT TOP FORM JUST AT RIGHT TIME

After all the hard work that the team have put in over previous weeks on and off the field and all those frustrating games Rochford turned in the performance that we knew they had in them and were rewarded with the result it deserved.

Coach Michael Guess could not praise his side enough for their team effort, determination and skill in winning this important match.

It was not just the result which in itself was impressive enough but in the manner of the victory over the league leaders.

Rochford were organised, disciplined and played with flair and aggression against a good and fast outfit who ,for most of this absorbing encounter ,were not allowed the time or space to produce any rhythm.

Back row Nik Grier opened the scoring with an early try which Captain Matt Stewart converted to give Rochford a kick start.

Old Coops replied with a penalty kick but powerful flanker Andrew Bevan added a further five points with another try .

Centre Marcus Spremulli scored a third try after some skilful running and in the absence of injured Stewart Steven Jay ,now playing at stand-off, converted to take the score line to 19 -3 at the turn round.

A terrific first half by the boys in black where they dominated the lineouts especially at the back where Whight remained supreme, more than held their own in the scrums and fought ferociously in the loose.

Could they continue this effort into the second half? The answer was yes they could against a more determined Old Cooperians side who upped their game after having been caught napping in the first session.

Jay further made his presence felt with a penalty kick and then came the try of the match when wing Sam Edwards who was having one of his best games ran, jinxed and powered his way through the Coopers defence to ground under the posts to score a fourth and bonus point try.

Jay added the two extra points to take his team to a 29 – 6 lead and Rochford kept up the pressure with some forceful forward play near the opposition’s line. From this ever improving scrum half Jack Doherty took his chance and dived over for a fifth try and Steven Jay duly converted.

The Upminster based side never gave up the fight and were desperate to get something from the game and Rochford were just as determined that they did not. Unfortunately a lapse in the home side’s defence allowed Coopers to run in for a late converted try before the final whistle.

A terrific performance but also some great individual stuff from Greg Whight who was, again, dominant in the lineout and loose with Tom Corbet, Nik Grier and Andy Bevan impressing as did second row Max Bacon using his power in the loose and lineout.

Young hooker Bradley Hughes had a good game helped ably by Michal Mark and Ricky Wiseman and the trio gave their opposition a difficult afternoon.

In the backs Edwards was outstanding and in the centre Spremulli and De -Bellefontaine looked full of aggressive running.

Mark Billings was his usual all action self creating gaps in the opposition defence each time he attacked and tackled with venom.

Steven Jay coming in at stand off for the injured Matt Stewart impressed with the way he slotted in and with a difficult match at Norwich next week the team can travel with a high degree of confidence as they are now becoming a side to be reckoned with.

This game laid down a marker that teams in this division that underestimate them do so at their peril.