THE ICING ON THE CAKE

It was one of those days that makes rugby so special. A very large crowd of supporters (approx. 400) from both sides enjoying a warm, dry afternoon meeting old friends and downing a few pints.

The extra ingredient was being entertained by two talented and committed sides fighting it out in a very competitive match.

Sudbury are second in the league looking to get home advantage in the runners up playoff and Rochford wanting to put down a marker for next season.

The home outfit had already won the title last week but they were determined to finish this successful season on a high by defending their unbeaten league run.

The game started at a pace and it was soon apparent why Sudbury have been having such a good season as they moved the ball quickly through hands putting the Rochford under pressure.

Their efforts were rewarded by a try after approx. 30 minutes as both sides had had early chances and Rochford again showed their defensive qualities during that time.

The setback was soon made up by flanker Tom Corbet opening Rochford’s account with a forceful try which Tom Ashton duly converted to give them the lead.

This score line stayed the same until the break although just on half time a poor 22 metre clearance by Sudbury was snatched by Danny Cleare who ran through to score under the posts only for the referee to disallow it as he adjudged that the ball did not go 10 metres.

It was apparent as the first half progressed that Rochford’s tactics of using their powerful forwards to make driving runs at the Sudbury defence, breaking the gain line and their strong lineout work together with a dominant set scrum was having an effect.

The match was a nervy affair with both sides making errors as they tried to gain supremacy but gradually the boys in black gained the upper hand.

Steven Jay finished off some powerful play with ball being moved fast through quick hands. Ashton added the extra two points.

Soon after another piece of typical Rochford attacking rugby saw hooker Adam Ferrier driving over to ground the ball and, once again, Ashton converted and at 21 – 5 the home team looked comfortable.

The Suffolk lads had other ideas as they picked themselves up and forced the play and in a space of just a few minutes they scored two tries, one of which was converted and were now only 21 – 17 behind with their tails up.

This was where the character and experience of this Rochford outfit showed as they controlled the ball supply through their pack and intelligent running and kicking in the backs.

It paid dividends as first Tom Ashton sped through the defence to score a try and shortly after Tom Corbet used his strength to drive over for his second try.

These tries, and the way Rochford worked them took the sting out of this good Sudbury side but with ten minutes still to go they kept trying to find a way through.

With the end in sight Rochford were having none of that as they closed the game down through their excellent forwards to see out the final few minutes.

Another bonus point win to keep their record going against a very good side like Sudbury was a tribute to the spirit and character that this team has developed as the season has progressed.
Terrific performances from all but this game was won by the hard, grafting work of the Rochford pack who applied themselves to stopping their pacey opponents from really getting any rhythm into their game by taking control through most of this absorbing contest.

One more league game to go next week against Harlow away in this rearranged fixture.