In a game of high quality Rochford ,for the most part,were the better team but just failed at the bitter end to hold out to the talented Letchworth outfit.

Rochford took the game to their vaunted opponents and their forwards put Letchworth to the sword for most of this absorbing match.In addition to that Rochford’s backs,where stand off Kit Branch was dominant, created havoc in the strong Letchworth backline.

The home side, playing in their now familiar alternative red strip, took a very early sucker punch as the visitors straight from the kick off attacked and their stand off scorched through to score a try under the posts.

The writing looked on the wall but Rochford struck back and pressure allowed Branch to kick over a penalty to reduce the score.

Further excellent play resulted in fiery flanker Andy Baker speeding over for a fine try and Richford were in front 8 -7.This stayed the same until last in the half when Letchworth’s speedy wing was given room which he used to go in for a try to regain the lead at 8 -14 at the break.

It was evident early on that the boys in red were mentally and physically up for this contest as the forwards were on fire in lineout, scrum and loose where George Chipper was outstanding.

He and Jack Pearce together with Greg Whight were winning excellent ball from theirs and opposition lineout and all the pack worked for each other in the loose.where the front row of Mark, Corbet and Chivers were immense in tight and loose.

The second half started well for the home team and an outstanding piece of individual rugby by Kit Branch when he broke free, then a chip over the opposition and a kind bounce saw him run three-quarter of the pitch to score under the uprights.He converted his own try and then soon after kicked a penalty over to put his side up 18 -14.

At this stage in the game Rochford had the Hertfordshire side on the rack and they were clearly rattled .Stewart, Spencer, Prior and Dan Needham all showing off their skills.

Another penalty by Branch after some sustained forward pressure increased their lead to 21 -14 going into the last quarter.

Rochford lost Chipper through injury which was a blow but they still kept up the pace but Letchworth are a classy side and it was only inevitable that they would rally and strike back.This they did to breakaway to score a converted try to bring the score level going into the final 10 minutes.

Straight away Rochford came back and after some good forward surges into the Letchworth twenty metre area Branch quickly saw flanker Baker out wide on the wing and floated a superb kick for Baker to gather and dive over the line.

The home team were back in front again at 26 -21 but fate had other plans and in a frantic last few minutes they had the game snatched away from them as Letchworth responded as all good sides do.

Two late tries from some slack play by Rochford the latter of which was converted put paid to any notions of a deserved win but the visitors did what they had to do and did it well.

A sad farewell to Jack Pearce who leaves for Australia next week .He has played some very good rugby for us when we needed it so much and made a number of friends in the process.We wish him well .