Rochford picked up a valuable five point win over Old Colfeians and were well worth the win. It could even be argued that they could and should have scored even more points.

They also re-found their form with four tries and with Kit Branch kicking a penalty, three conversions and two drop goals.

The game was a competitive affair with both teams wanting to run the ball although this was hampered on occasions by some over zealous refereeing which frustrated the teams.

A positive Rochford came out with all guns blazing and looked to have scored an early try but Matt Stewart was adjudged to have put his foot into the dead ball area on grounding the ball.

Good pressure told and Kit Branch put his side ahead with a penalty, although Colfeians hit back with one of their own. The game settled down with Rochford applying plenty of pressure pinning their opponents into their half for most of the first quarter.

A drop goal by Branch increased the lead but as happens in many games the South London side,having soaked up everything Rochford could throw at them ,broke away to score a try to take the lead.

As half time approached the home side needed to stamp their authority again and this came with a terrific try from the outstanding no .8 James Needham which Branch converted.

Just before the half time whistle went Branch slotted over another drop goal to take his side to a 16 -8 advantage at the turnaround.

Sometimes Rochford go to sleep in the second session after building up a good lead but, thankfully, they continued to keep playing fast, attacking rugby and were rewarded with a second James Needham try duly converted by Branch to increase the score line to 21-8.

Colfeians, to their credit, kept looking to open up when they had the chance but Rochford tended to control the ball supply through good lineout, strong scrimmage and lively loose play.

The visitors did claw back three points with a penalty kick but that was as good as it got for them as two more tries by Stewart and Greg Whight, both converted by Branch, underlined their dominance in the last quarter.

Excellent performances from James Needham, Branch, Robert Prior, Scott Goodliffe, Darren Spencer and all the other players who really wanted to show that they are still a force to be considered in the final three matches.