LATE SURGE SEES ROCHFORD TRIUMPH

This game was very much a case of “after the Lord Mayor’s Show“ as Rochford just did not perform to their usual standards for most of this dour contest. It has to be said that Sidcup looked the better team for a great deal of the time and will be disappointed coming away with nothing in the end. After the heights of their excellent win over Guernsey the week before, it was going to be difficult to re-adjust to a game that they were expected to win by so many people.
Sidcup are a quality side that could not be taken for granted and so they showed. The home outfit did get the first score through lively scrum half Sam Arnott, but not before having to defend hard against their opponents during the first quarter. The Kent side struck back very quickly with a try of their own and then followed up with another just before half time.
Rochford turned round 5 – 10 in arrears and few could argue that Sidcup did not deserve to be in the lead. The set scrum, where Rochford normally dominate, was very even and Sidcup were strong in the tackle and aggressive in the loose. Their kicking game was also more street wise than their rivals.
The Kentish team went further ahead with a penalty kick early in the second session to increase their lead and Rochford seemed to be drifting along in low gear, making mistakes and lacking sparkle. The game carried on with a number of stoppages which did not help matters and the line-outs became a bit of mess as well. Going into the last quarter, something needed to be done and a few substitutions were made and suddenly this lack lustre performance came to life.
Rochford at last found their “mojo” and the set scrummage took off and more urgency was found. The lineout took shape with Sam Fombo leading the way with Harry Hudson and others following suit.
The catch and drive started to work well which resulted in prop Tod Bailey being driven over for a timely try and for Cameron Greenhall to add the extra.
Now only 12 – 13 behind Rochford needed another quick try and substitute Sonny Gay, as he did the previous week, provided that when he broke away up field to ground the ball under the posts. Greenhall converted and the home side found themselves 19 – 13 ahead.
With the momentum now in their favour and poor Sidcup looking dejected Rochford hammered home their advantage. A further terrific forward drive on the visitors line was rewarded with a well taken try by hooker Adam Ferrier to bring up the try bonus point and take the game away from their visitors.
The icing on the cake was provided by big Mac Duaibe who finished off proceeding with the fifth try and a relieved Rochford left the field knowing that they did not perform at their best on the day, but obtained the necessary 5 point win that they needed to keep themselves at the top of the table.
All good and successful sides have their off days but will often prevail as they have that little extra to call on when needed. Such was the case today. Commiserations to a gallant Sidcup side that worked so hard and to go home with nothing to show for it, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.
Next week a difficult trip to Tunbridge Wells where the team know they will have to up their game before taking on Wimbledon at home the following Saturday.

Team:- Bailey, Ferrier A,Bevans-Royston, Shields, Brunger, Kellard, Strachan, Duaibe, Arnott, Greenhall, Meads, Hudson, Dudman, Ferrier W, Billings

Subs:- Fombo, Gould, Gay