AN AVERAGE DAY AT THE OFFICE

After the splendid victory against Ipswich the previous week this was a very average affair against a lively and committed Cantabrigian outfit.

Although they were by far the better all round side Rochford had to work at it and never really played to their full potential on the day.

An eight try bonus point win was still satisfactory but with some big games coming up the Essex boys will need to concentrate their minds and bring in a little more cohesion into their game.

It all started brightly with two good tries from full back Mark Billings and new prop Lewis Brunger one of which was converted by centre Tom Ashton.

The first half was scrappy with both sides trying to get the upper hand and Rochford were denied further scores by marginal foot in touch decisions when both Matt Stewart and Sam Edwards, who on a couple of occasions, would have scored.

It was that sort of game when things just did not quite come off. On top of that the visitor’s lineout was poor all afternoon which was a disappointment as this has been such an asset all season.

Anyway, enough of the criticism as Rochford rolled up their sleeves and got down to the business of winning.

Two more first half tries by second row Daniel Sowter, which was converted by Ashton and another by wing Edwards gave Rochford their try bonus point and allowed them to turn around with a 24-0 lead at the break.

The second half continued to be frustrating as Cantabrigian forced the pace and made their opponents work hard in the set scrum, lineout and loose but class tells, and Billings went over for his second and 25th try of the season before number eight James Kellard stormed through for another. Stewart added the extra two points as he did shortly later when big Luke Court-Rhind used his power to drive over the line.

As the game progressed it looked like the league leaders were going to keep another clean sheet, but the home side struck back with an excellent converted try which was deserved after some pacey approach play.

Rochford, however, had the last say when wing Matthew Stewart ran in for a fine try to finish off a comfortable win and to keep the team’s 100 per cent record intact but by their standards not totally satisfactory.

Next week a big match against London Exiles at home in RFU Intermediate Cup.