HARD FOUGHT WIN IS A BIG BONUS FOR ROCHFORD

A trip to Holt is always an event and to come away with a bonus point win is something to savour. Rochford deserved their hard fought victory but it was a close run thing as Holt stormed back in the closing stages.

After a good warm up session Rochford took the game to their hosts and were rewarded with a terrific try by Mark Billings finishing off some quick ball handling between Nik Grier and Kit Branch.

Matt Stewart added the extra points and at this early stage the visitors were fully in command of the game.

A catch and drive from a lineout allowed Rochford’s powerful pack to crash over the Holt line and hooker Grier claiming the touch down to take his side to a 12-0 lead.

This could have been more as chances were made to score but good Holt defence and some casual finishing from Rochford stopped that happening.

In fact Holt started to get some good ball and showed that they were well capable of creating their own chances which they did with a well taken try of their own which was duly converted to reduce the margin to 12-7.

Both sides had their opportunities and Holt seemed to be getting the better of the possession through their dogged determination to upset Rochford’s rhythm and the visitors helped them somewhat by some wayward kicking and play options but the score stayed the same until the break.

The home team started the second half lively and scored a converted try to take the lead before second row Max Bacon drove over to score for Rochford and for Stewart to convert which nudged Rochford back in front again.

Gradually the visitor’s fitness and skill level began to tell as they took control and a fast back line attack saw wing Louie Marshall race through to score a bonus point try to put Rochford ahead 24-14.

This should have been secure enough at this stage in the match but Holt never gave up the fight and continued to try and find openings in the Rochford defence. Their efforts were rewarded with a late converted try to put them within three points of their opponents.

The Essex boys played out the final frantic minutes by keeping their heads and controlling the ball to squeeze out this crucial win and to celebrate the occasion.

Excellent performance by the whole team and some fine individual efforts especially from Max Bacon who was involved in so much all afternoon and Greg Whight who did his usual terrific stuff in the lineout.

Nik Grier was another player who, although suffering from a chest infection stuck with it to play an influential part.

It was good to see Kit Branch making a guest appearance in the centre and after a shaky start showed all his old skills with ball in hand.

Steven Jay, once again, stamped his presence on the game and Tom Corbet was all action. Mark Billings brings that extra dimension to the back division with his incisive runs into the line but more importantly this was another example of the whole team’s development and confidence which bodes well for rest of season.