Rochford lost this exciting, top quality match and gained a valuable losing bonus point but they also knew that they could, and, perhaps, should have won this game.

They outplayed their more illustrious opponents in many aspects of play and but for a slice of bad luck at the end could have obtained a well deserved victory.

Make no mistake Thurrock are a very good and talented outfit which made the closeness of the result even more significant as Rochford stepped up and were even better than last week against much better opposition.

After a confident start the home side applied pressure which should have resulted in a try but Thurrock held out and came back through two Mike Stanley penalties to give them a 6 – 0 lead. They then increased that lead when their winger finished off a good piece of play to score a try and for Stanley to convert.

It did seem ominous at this stage but the Rochford set scrum was performing with increasing confidence and loose play was fought with vigour and aggression. Just before half time Rochford got the breakthrough their efforts deserved when after some strong approach work they had a ruck in the Thurrock twenty metre area and quick ball found stand-off Dan Needham who dummied and slipped through the gap to score a wonderful individual try to reduce the deficit to 5 -13 at the break.

The home team came out for the second half determined to keep the momentum going and in a space of a few minutes forced the visitors to give away penalties.

Captain Tom Ashton took full advantage to kick three penalties to put his team in the lead at 14-13.Thurrock,being the good side they are responded positively with a try through centre Ben Stanley and followed up with another by brother Mike who was Thurrock’s best player on the day.

It seemed the game was up now in spite of all Richford’s gallant work but this is a team that has found a new confidence in themselves and each other .For the remainder of the match it was all Rochford as they forced the pace and put together some exciting rugby .

From a melee near the touchline on the right in Thurrock’s twenty metre area Dan Bracknell sped the ball wide to the left and quick ball through hands saw George Chipper collect and power over the line for an excellent try.

Unfortunately after awarding it the referee noticed that the touch judge’s flag was up across the pitch and ruled no try and went back for the lineout.

For many teams it would have had an adverse effect but the incident galvanised the home side and they attacked again and this time after more fast ball play flanker Andy Baker crossed the line for a first class try which Ashton duly converted.

Both sides threw everything into the final minutes and only some outstanding defence by Rochord kept Thurrock out and likewise the visitors had some nerve racking moments as well to hold on for a hard fought victory.

Outstanding performances from the likes of Chipper, Needham,Ashton, ,Stewart,Baker and particularly Darren Spencer but more importantly this was a big team effort . A special mention to the front row of Chivers,
Corbet and Coombe who were the anchor against a bigger pack but their technique and determination was a match for them .The second row pairing of Mott and Stephenson look a good combination too and bring an extra amount of power where it is needed.