ROCHFORD GET THEIR CHRISTMAS BONUS

Rochford at last got their long awaited win and a bonus point over old rivals to make up for the disappointment of losing to them at the start of the season.

The home side were good value for it but a slack second half almost allowed Braintree to back into the match. As it was the visitors dominance of possession in the second half was rewarded with a bonus point for them.

After a couple of earl failed penalty attempts by Braintree young full back Adam Ashton put Rochford ahead with one of his own.

Captain Matt Stewart followed soon after with a classy try which Ashton converted and extended the lead to 10 – 0.

Braintree are always a hard side to play against and so it proved as they replied with a try of their own to reduce the deficit.

The first half was mainly Rochford spinning the ball out through fast hands and forwards and backs combining well. A period of pressure from the home team resulted in influential flanker Darren Spencer finding enough room to drive over for a try ,which was converted by Ashton .

Rochford were looking in control with the lineout where Richard Mott excelled and set scrum providing good ball but it was in the loose play that they thrived on turnover ball and some poor handling by their opposition.

Another chance presented itself and wing Sam Edwards was there to finish off a fine move to put his side into a 22 – 5 lead.

Just before the break Braintree punished poor rochford defence to move the ball wide and score on the stroke of half time .

The boys in black started the second session well putting Braintree under a great deal of pressure on their line and should have gone over for a try. They did, however, come away with a penalty neatly slotted over by Adam Ashton who was having an excellent game with the boot and general field play.

More good approach work gave powerful number eight George Chipper sight of the line and Chipper took full advantage to storm over for Rochford’s fourth try and to give his side an all important bonus point.

At 30 -10 Rochford then seemed to ease up and Braintree then took over for the rest of the half to control most of the play and only good Rochford defence and some poor kicking and handling by Braintree stopped them from scoring more points.

Gradually as the second reached the final quarter pressure told and the visitors hard work was rewarded with good try from their full back and then late in the match they secured a bonus point with their fourth try.

Rochford deserved their victory as they played some fast and skilful rugby and fought hard all afternoon to keep a determined opposition at bay.

They will be disappointed by their second half performance where they did not really consolidate on the dominance of the first session.They allowed Braintree too much time on the ball which gave them the opportunity to build up momentum and create scoring chances which they took.