ROCHFORD CROWNED KINGS

What a memorable day for the club. Rochford became league champions with two games in hand and it was only fitting that on this lovely warm afternoon that they did it in style.

Conditions were ideal for fast, running rugby which was exactly what the large crowd were rewarded with in this 15 try bonanza.

Having said that the match started badly for the home side as a determined Norwich side with nothing to lose took the game to their opponents and dominated early possession and territory.

Their efforts were rewarded by a penalty kick which gave them the lead. Although missing some regular first team players it did not appear that way as they forced the pace and Rochford had to defend stoutly.

As with all good sides they soaked up the pressure and when the opportunity arrived it was taken.

Powerful prop Lewis Brunger finished off some fine attacking play to drive over and Tom Ashton kicked the extra 2 points to put his team ahead.

Shortly after captain Matt Stewart crossed the line for the first of his three tries and then flanker Stuart Whatling scored a fine try which Ashton converted.

The boys in black were now getting into their stride after a slow start and just before half time stand-off Matt Needham showing some of his silky skills went over for the bonus point try and Ashton, once again, added the extra.

A comfortable lead of 26 -3 at the break gave the home team a good base for the second session and Rochford’s loyal supporters settled down for an entertaining second half.

It was evident that the power of the set scrum and the dominance of the lineout by Court-Rhind and Fombo was taking its toll on the Norfolk outfit who had put so much effort into trying to keep Rochford at bay.

With the rustiness out of their system now the second half was a lesson in fast attacking rugby by very skilful players playing together as a well organised team and as Norwich struggled manfully all game they had no answer to the Pacey supporting rugby that Rochford produced.

The home side were winning good turn over ball in the loose as well and it was not long before the floodgates opened, and Rochford poured through.

In a 75 point forty minutes the league winners scored 11 tries from Stewart (2), Mitchell Bennett (2) and 1 apiece from Tom Corbet, Sam Fombo and Tom Ashton.

The other 4 tries were scored by the remarkable Mark Billings, giving a masterclass in attacking full back play.

To add icing on the cake Ashton converted 10 of those tries to take his tally to 13 conversions for the match.

So many fine efforts by all on the day but this was a massive team performance by each of these talented players who just enjoy playing together.

It probably is no consolation to Norwich but credit to them for not giving up the fight all game and we can only wish them well for next season.

Head coach Michael Guess must feel very pleased as his and the other coaches hard work have paid dividends. Directory of Rugby Chris Green must also have enjoyed the moment, but he did stress that there are still two more games to play and we need to finish this successful season by winning both with bonus points to put down an important marker for the challenges of next season.

A big game next week against second placed Sudbury in the final home match before travelling over to Harlow for the rearranged final league encounter.