THIRTEEN ON THE TROT

Another satisfying away win to finish the first round of league games and after a competitive first half Rochford turned the screw to finish worthy winners.

It was a damp and dull afternoon which seemed to affect some of the ball play with a number of knock-ons and spilled balls by both sides.

However, Rochford started the scoring early on with a Jodie Allen try and conversion by Cameron Greenhall before Haberdashers came back to gain a penalty kick which they duly put over to take the score line to 7-3.

From the start Rochford were in control of the set scrums and lineout and gradually dominated the loose where the visitor’s powerful forwards drove fiercely to gains yards of territory.

Old Haberdashers put pressure on Rochford in defence but the boys in black do not give much away in this department and just absorbed it and counterattacked.

Next up was prop Craig Strachan with a well taken try which the ever reliable Greenhall converted. With plenty of good, quick, ball the Rochford backs took full advantage with some strong running and speedy centre Ian Meads tore through to run in for a try under the posts and Greenhall added the extra points.

Second row Allen who was outstanding all game crashed over to secure the bonus point fourth try and take the lead to 26-3 at the break.

In the second half the power, pace and skill of this Rochford outfit took its toll on the hard-working Haberdashers side and they began to tire. This is when Rochford come into their own and are most dangerous as they upped the gears.

Captain Harry Hudson smashed over after being ably assisted by Sam Fombo and that man Cameron Greenhall converted. A third try by the powerful Jodie Allen followed and so did the conversion before a second Ian Meads try took the score to 47-3 with another conversion from Greenhall.

The next try was a text book one when a lineout on the Haberdashers line saw Fombo jump high and tap down a perfect ball to the accelerating strong number 8 Chris Shields who charged through to ground under the posts and Greenhall, once again, slotted over the kick.

Hudson scored his second try of the game and Greenhall finished off a terrific kicking display with his eighth conversion and take the final Rochford tally to 61 points.

Old Haberdashers never gave up the fight and rallied late in the game and their efforts were rewarded with a try in the corner as the game concluded.

Many excellent performances from the likes of Allen, both Ferriers, Matt Stewart, Fombo, Strachan and others but mostly a very pleasing team effort in poor conditions.

Next week the side start their second half of league matches against a resurgent Southend at home and that is a game Rochford will really want to show how much they have improved as well.