ROCHFORD BOUNCE BACK IN STYLE

After the disappointment of the previous week Rochford needed to respond in a positive way and this is exactly what they did on Saturday. Playing to their tried and tested strengths up front against a seasoned outfit like Dorking, Rochford took the game to their opponents from the start. Following some powerful forward work, scrum half Sam Arnott dived over to open the scoring and Cameron Greenhall added the extra. Unfortunately this lead was short lived as Dorking broke free and chased a loose ball up the pitch, but the referee adjudged a Rochford player, impeding the Dorking player from grounding the ball over the try line and awarded a penalty try as well as a yellow card.
Rochford tightened up their game and were rewarded with a penalty kick which Greenhall slotted over to edge his side ahead again. Once again this lead did not last long as the home side were given a penalty, they duly added the extra three points to retake the lead at 8 - 10. It was apparent from early on that the Rochford pack had the measure of their opponents and gradually destroyed their set scrum and outplayed them in the loose. The only area that was disappointing was the line out which was a mess for most of this competitive match.
Just before half time after a number of missed opportunities by the Essex boys, they attacked out wide and speedy wing Danny Cleare raced over for a fine try and Greenhall converted from wide out to put Rochford in front 15 – 10 at the turn round.
Dorking’s ground is set in the picturesque North Downs but with rapidly fading light and mist as well as a touch of rain it was not seen at its best. This seemed to be of no concern to the visitors who knuckled down and continued to control the game and increased their work rate. However it was the hard pressed Dorking side that scored with a well taken penalty kick to reduce the deficit to 15 - 13.
Scrum half Sam Arnott was having one of his best games for his new club and he went over for his second try after more strong Rochford forward play on the Dorking line. The Surrey team had another chance to keep in touch with a further penalty and they duly obliged by kicking over to narrow the margin to 20 – 16
The light was fading fast and, at times, it was difficult to see all that was going on; but there was no doubting Michael Guess’s try as he rounded off a powerful performance with a fourth and bonus point try to conclude the days proceedings. This was a vital and deserving away victory over a good team and keeps them in contention with Wimbledon and Guernsey at the top of the table.
Excellent performances from all and particularly from flanker Craig Strachan; who is getting back to his usual combative self again! Then there's big Mac Duaibe who was a tower of strength in the loose. That combined with the experience of James Kellard in the back row was also a big plus.
In the backs Cameron Greenhall controlled the game well at stand off with his long, racking kicks and his elusive running. Arnott, as mentioned, Danny Cleare and Harry Hudson all had good games. At full back, Mark Billings used all his old skills to gain ground and keep the Dorking defence honest. No game next week but a final home match before Christmas against Sevenoaks the week after.

Well done to all on an outstanding display just at the right time and a big confidence boost.

Team:- Bailey, Ferrier A. Guess, Douglas, Bevens-Royston, Kellard, Strachan, Duaibe, Arnott, Greenhall, Cleare, Hudson, Brambley, Ferrier W. and Billings

Subs:- Mills, Gould,Martin