LOOKING FORWARD TO A TESTING NEW YEAR

Another difficult away game out of the way in the first of the second round matches just before the Christmas break. Although the team were pleased with a good result against good quality opposition they know, as last week, that points were left out on the pitch and should have claimed the extra try bonus point to keep on par with their rivals Wimbledon and Guernsey, who currently sit at the top of the table. It was not from the lack of trying as the spirit is good and determination is there, but they have just lost that vital edge, which was in their games earlier in the season.
We mustn’t however take credit away from a committed and well organised Hertford outfit that fought all the way to keep the Essex Boys at bay.Playing under floodlights Rochford, after some early Hertford pressure took the game to their opponents through their powerful forwards and were duly rewarded after some aggressive drives on the Hertford line, for a well taken try by captain Harry Hudson.
Cameron Greenhall added the extra but, as last week, the lead did not last long as a lapse in concentration saw Hertford race over for a try in the corner. The try was not converted so Rochford kept their noses in front until the break at half time at 7 – 5.
Hertford had shown that with ball in hand they were dangerous with some good lines of running, as Rochford did when they moved ball wide. The difference was the gradual dominance of the visitors set scrummage and aggression in the loose.
Lineouts were fairly even but Hudson and Douglas began to win more share of good ball as the game progressed.
The second session started well for Rochford when Jamie Douglas crashed through, after more excellent forward drives on the home side’s try line. Greenhall converted and the boys extended their lead to 14 – 5. The Hertfordshire side, egged on by their vocal supporters, struck back with another try out wide and, thankfully the conversion was missed but the score now narrowed to 14 – 10
The second half drifted along with both sides having chances but a number of stoppages slowed the game down before Rochford were awarded a penalty. Cameron Greenhall opted for the posts and duly slotted the ball over to extend his team’s lead.
More forward power resulted in hooker Adam Ferrier being driven over the line and, although the conversion was missed a 22 – 10 lead was looking good going into the last quarter. Try as they may, Rochford just could not get that all important fourth try and the match drifted to its conclusion.
For the most part it was a rather uninspiring affair with a number of stoppages and a great deal of frustration but it was another important win to keep promotion hopes alive going into the new year. On the down side, unfortunately Aston Bevans-Royston fell foul of the referee as did a Hertford player, who were both Red carded.
First game after the festivities will be a home encounter against Bedford Athletic before taking that long journey over to rampant Guernsey for what will be a seismic encounter!!

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Successful New Year to all.

Team: Bailey, Ferrier A., Bevans-Royston, Douglas, Shields, Duaibe, Strachan, Hudson, Gould, Greenhall, Cleare, Dudman, Brambley, Ferrier W. Billings

Subs: Brunger, Guess, Kellard