Winning start for Rochford Hundred as Corbet bags unexpected hat-trick

TOM Corbet was an unlikely hat-trick hero as Rochford Hundred started the new season with a 40-29 win at Sudbury.

The 29-year-old, who lined up at hooker, bagged a trio of tries.

And he was unable to remember the last time he scored three times in the same game.

“I have a got a hat-trick before but it was a long time ago now and I can’t remember when it was,” said Corbet.

“It certainly wasn’t in the last five years but in truth I can’t really take much credit for the tries.

"The first two were from driving mauls and I just had to touch the ball down after great work from our forwards and the third one came following a great offload from Ricki Gould so I have him to thank for that one.

“I celebrated by buying the jugs after the game which I’m sure the lads all appreciated but I very much doubt I’ll be having to do that any time again soon!”

James Kellard, Stuart Whatling and Mitchell Bennett bagged Rochford’s other tries while Tom Ashton added five conversions.

And Corbet - who first joined Rochford at the age of 12 - is pleased with how the new look Hundred are already starting to gel.

“Things are coming together and we’re looking good,” said Corbet.

“You always get an influx of new players at the start of every season but we’ve started well and we’re starting to get a good team spirit now too.

"A few of the new faces have been here before which helps and I thought Saturday was a really good start for us.

“I’m sure a few people would have been looking out to see how the new Rochford got on so it was a pleasing result for us.”

Rochford - who fielded 10 summer signings in their starting line-up - led 26-3 at half-time.

And they will now be looking for another victory when they host Chelmsford at Magnolia Road this weekend. But Corbet will not be getting carried away.

“Six teams got bonus points wins at the weekend so there are a few of us putting a marker down,” said Corbet.

“Chelmsford were one of the teams to lose so we’re confident of winning but we aren’t taking anything for granted.