Rochford put on a first half performance of skill and pace to put away their local rivals before weather conditions reduced the game considerably in the second half.

Even so the Rochford All Blacks were just too powerful and skilful to be denied a deserved victory with eight tries with some strong, stirring rugby to overcome a determined Southend side.

At the start Saxons were a handful and began at a pace showing that they were not going to be intimidated by the home outfit.

However, after absorbing a great deal of early pressure, Rochord struck back in the most decisive way with two well taken tries by captain Harry Hudson who lead by example all game.

Cameron Greenhall converted one of the tries to put his team 12 – 0 ahead before he sped through to score a fine individual try himself.

Scrums were well contested all game, but Rochford again dominated the lineouts where Sam Fombo Jamie Douglas and Hudson at the back won such good ball. In the loose the likes of Craig Strachan, Hudson, Chris Shields, Douglas and Adam Ferrier impressed.

Adam’s brother William scored the next and bonus point try and Greenhall added the extra two points to take the scoreboard to 24 - 0.

Further tries by Fombo and Hudson to bring up his hat trick finished the first session’s scoring and Rochford were 34 – 0 up at the break.

The driving rain, cold and bad light became a big factor as the match progressed and it became a dour struggle although not before both the Ferrier brothers went over for further tries to complete the second half scoring.

The game was a fiercely fought encounter and Southend, who never gave up the fight, rallied well later in the second half, but stout Rochford defence kept them out and the home team emerged from the gloom triumphant much to the pleasure of their large number of supporters.

Many good individual performances but it was primarily an impressive team effort with power from the forwards and pace from the backs combining with terrific handling in poor conditions and support play that made the difference.

A big game and great atmosphere with a massive crowd and time for old acquittances to be renewed and certainly not put off by the dreadful weather.

A terrific way to start the second-round matches of this league campaign and the squad can now take a well-earned rest until the new year when they then have to travel over to Chiswick to play H.A.C on 5th January.

Also, a great result for the Harts earlier in the afternoon beating a strong Southend second side on the adjacent pitch after coming from behind to win
24 - 17