It was a clash of the two unbeaten sides in this division and the game every supporter wanted to be at. This seemed to be the case as a very large crowd from both clubs turned up to watch this absorbing and nail-biting encounter.

As it turned out Rochford were the better all-round team on the day collecting a bonus point win away at Colchester to take them to a five-point lead at the top of the table.

It was a hard-fought encounter between two sides desperate to get the upper hand with some very fierce tackling and power play from both sides.

However, it was Rochford that dominated the first half using the strength and force of their forward unit to take the game to their rivals.

This resulted in a series of rucks on the Colchester goal line and illusive scrum half Steven Jay was able to slip over for the opening try

More power play by the visitors saw big flanker Sam Fombo crash over for his first try of the afternoon and stand off Tom Ashton added the extra two points to take his team to a 12-point lead.

They were the only points of this absorbing first half but both teams battled it out as Colchester tried to use their strong running forwards and centres to punch holes into Rochford’s defence but the boys in black soaked up the pressure and more than gave it back in kind.

Rochford dominated the lineouts where Fombo, Jamie Douglas and Shields worked tirelessly and in the loose play the visitor’s forwards had the upper hand and turned over ball on a number of occasions.

The set scrum was more even as Colchester were strong up front, but Rochford were able to control the ball and Jay was able to get his backs into play quickly.

The second half started badly for Rochford as basic errors put them under pressure and the determined Colchester outfit took full advantage to go over for a converted try and then landed a penalty to bring the score line to 12 -10 and the balance of play had changed to give the home side a boost after having to defend for most of the first half.

It was a nail-biting time for the visitors, but they used their experience and skills to take back the game from Colchester and a terrific try from Fombo after some strong approach play saw him dive over in the corner to extend Rochford’s lead.

Unfortunately, he was injured scoring the try and that was the end of his afternoon.

As the game progressed Hundred kept up the intensity which resulted in a penalty being awarded and Ashton duly obliged by adding a further three points to the score board.

With a 20 – 10 advantage Rochford went all out for the try bonus point but Colchester desperately defended until late in the game the visitors determination paid off as an excellent attack allowed room for speedy wing Mark Ikhifa to speed through the Colchester defence to score that important try.

Tom Ashton put the icing on the cake to convert and that was that. It was a massive statement of intent by this ever-evolving Rochford outfit where every player was a hero but none more so than Jodie Allen and Chris Shields, both of whom were the spearhead in all the hard work in both attack and defence all game. The tight forwards were the foundation of this victory where the likes of Lewis Brunger, Michael Guess Jamie Douglas, Adam Ferrier, and Sam Fombo also had massive games.

Later in game Subs. Tom Corbet, James Kellard and Matt Stewart all contributed greatly to keep the pressure on their strong opponents.

In the backs experienced Steven Jay continually created space and Tom Ashton was his usual reliable, skilful self. Sonny Gay, returning from injury, showed his class and power. Danny Cleare used all his experience and speed on the wing as did Mark Ikhifa. Full back Mark Billings became more involved as the game progressed and was a thorn in Colchester’s side all afternoon.

Terrific team performance but they will have to do the same again when Rochford play host to, the now, second placed North Walsham next Saturday.