A DISAPPOINTING END TO TITANIC ENCOUNTER IN THE FOG

On a very foggy afternoon which became steadily worse the two local rivals fought out a massive match in front of the biggest crowd of the season so far. To add to the tension the game went to the wire right through into extra time.

Unfortunately a last gasp lapse by Rochford in defence decided the outcome in Woodham’s favour and deny the home side at least a losing bonus point.

This was always going to be a fiercely fought encounter and it turned out as exactly that with two evenly matched sides going head to head.

A strong, confident and organised South Woodham started out the stronger team and stayed that way during most of a turbulent first half.

Within the first few minutes their powerful pack drove Rochford over their own try line to score a converted push over try.

This was followed up with another try to take their lead to 0 -12 and were good value for it.

Rochford needed to respond quickly especially as they were up against it in set scrum and loose although the lineout was working well with Bacon, Horsburgh and Whight providing good ball although under pressure.

The boys in red this afternoon took the game to their opposition and at last Rochford opened their account with two well taken penalties from Captain Matt Stewart who had his kicking boots on this afternoon much to the delight of his team mates.

Just as the home side thought they were catching up and right on half time Woodham crossed the Rochford line again after a chase and run to get the touchdown and the Magnolia outfit faced a 6 – 19 deficit at the break.

The fog gradually became more dense and it was difficult to see everything going on the pitch but certainly Rochford came out a different team for the second half after some words at half time from Coach Michael Guess.

The pack started to get a grip up front and secured the scrummage and fought that little harder in the loose where Andrew Bevan, Nik Grier and Tom Corbet were prominent and were rewarded after some aggressive driving with a try from prop Matthew Bevan who grounded for a well deserved try to narrow the difference to 11-19 .

This absorbing match continued on with both sides fighting it out in the gloom and Rochford clawed their way back by sheer determination and guts to create chances to score.

The pressure paid off as Woodham fell afoul of the referee and two excellent penalty kicks from Stewart brought the score to 17-19 going into the last few minutes.

The advantage was now with a rejuvenated Rochford as they only needed another three points to secure victory.

Unfortunately on this occasion the gods had other plans as going into time added on Woodham found a little extra energy to force Rochford back near their line.

The home team only needed to be keep their discipline and clear their lines but a wrong option was taken and South Woodham pounced when the ball was turned over and they ran in for a very late try and the conversion kick denied Rochford even a deserved losing bonus point.

The final whistle blew and a relieved and jubilant South Woodham started their Christmas celebrations.

It was so disappointing for the team as they played so well in difficult circumstances and showed how much they have improved since the start of the season.

They can still look forward to the second half of their campaign with confidence as they probably will not have a harder game than this one.