It was one of those nail biting, frustrating afternoons at Magnolia Road where an off song Rochford fought out a hard, dour battle with old rivals Chingford.

They ended up with only a losing bonus point to show for their endeavours but it could so easily have been a great deal more, but that is the way this season has gone so far.

Rochford’s cause was not helped by the loss of no.8 George Chipper early in the match which not only reduced their attacking capacity but also limited their lineout options as well.

Chingford started the more lively with a try and then a penalty kick to go 8 – 0 ahead before skipper Tom Ashton reduced the arrears 8 – 6 with two well struck penalties. That was all the scoring in the first half but there was plenty of action with both teams testing each other and some very good back play by Rochford.

Chingford’s defence was tight all game and were able to keep the home side at bay where Andy Baker, Scott Chivers and Darren Spencer were the pick of the forwards and Matt Stewart, Tom Ashton and his brother Adam stamped their authority in the backs.

The second half continued in the same vein with neither side dominating but Rochford finding it difficult in the lineout where Ryan Stephenson worked tirelessly as the only recognised jumper to keep a supply of ball coming.

Rochford had more success in the set scrum, which once again showed plenty of strength and commitment to counter the Chingford eight.

The visitors played for territory through the kicking of their efficient stand off who kept the home outfit pinned down for long periods.

A penalty was awarded to Rochford after some excellent pressure and Ashton duly kicked it to put his team into the lead for the first time.There then followed a period of forceful Rochford play which stretched Chingford but their defence held out which was helped by some slack Rochford finishing.

The game became a dour as the weather after that for most of the second session and Rochford errors were punished by the accurate kicking of the Chingford stand off who slotted over three penalties to put his side into a 17 -9 lead.

The match came to life again in the latter stages as The home side applied pressure which resulted in outstanding flanker Baker diving over to score in the corner. Ashton’s sublime conversion brought Rochford to within one point at 16 – 17 and the large crowd came alive again in anticipation of another turnaround.

Any notions of a last gasp Rochford victory were dashed however as Chingford came back strongly and in the dieing minutes their full back crashed over for his second try to finish the game off.