A LIGHT SHINES THROUGH THE GLOOM

(report by Graham Pratt)

On a dank and gloomy day in deepest Kent, Rochford just did enough to secure a bonus point win over a committed Tunbridge Wells outfit that fought hard all the way to make things difficult for their opponents. The old soccer adage of “a game of two halves” was certainly true of the Essex team’s performance on the day. The visitors ,playing in red this afternoon, made hard work of the first half with some slipshod play and lacked that sparkle and cohesion that we come to expect of them.
Tunbridge took an early lead with a penalty kick and tended to have better territorial advantage in spite of Rochford’s forward dominance in the set and on a number of occasions in the loose. Hundred tended to play mostly in midfield for large periods, but they were not able to sustain attacks before turning over ball or moves breaking down. Their tactical kicking was loose and they also gave away too many penalties, some justified and perhaps others not, but that’s rugby and in the end you just have to get on with it.
Having said that they did put together a few good attacking plays, one of these moves wing Will. Ferrier finished off superbly to score in the corner. Tunbridge, however had the last laugh late in the first session when they ran in for a good try in the corner.
At the break the home side lead 8 – 5 and Rochford needed to rearrange their game and become more focussed. They made a couple of tactical changes and came out with a more determined mindset. How many times have this team been in this situation and they know, when they knuckle down to the task in hand, they reap the rewards.
Another Rochford Hundred emerged for the second half and soon got down to business when, after some strong forward drives near the Tunbridge line, big Mac Duaibe grounded the ball for a second try and Cameron Greenhall added the extra. The Kent side replied with another penalty kick to reduce the deficit to 12 – 11
The tide had turned, however, and with their noses slightly in front and the momentum in their favour another try was sure to follow. Once again the power of the Essex boys scrummage, loose, and a much improved line-out where Sam Fombo, Douglas and Hudson led the way paid dividends.
The third try came curtesy of the other winger Iain Meads who dashed through to score out wide. The entire purpose of this visit to Tunbridge Wells from the team point of view, was to come away with a maximum points win and the side went all out to get it now. The home side picked up a couple of yellow cards during the second half and Rochford were determined that they would take full advantage and they did.
A series of powerful forward plays on the Tunbridge line resulted in flanker Mac Duaibe driving over for his second and the team’s fourth try to secure their aim. Late on Tunbridge Wells, determined to get something more from this game, attacked with venom but Rochford’s excellent defence held firm and the final whistle blew.
Not a particularly good or entertaining match, but in such poor conditions and a pretty dire first half the team, as they have so many times before, showed their mettle and character that allows them to win these tight games.
This will be needed in abundance next week when they take on high flying rivals Wimbledon at Magnolia Road. Now that should be one hell of a game!

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

Subs:- Fombo, Gould, Gay