They scored three tries courtesy of wingers Sam Barnes and Laurie Cooke who scored two before going off injured, and a conversion and penalty from Dan Needham.

Unfortunately it was not enough as a pumped up Basildon had most of the play and were rewarded for their efforts with four tries ,and three conversions but what was disappointing was the disjointed performance by the home team especially that they have the potential to be so much better.

An early Basildon converted try set them up before Dan Needham reduced the deficit with a penalty. Basildon scored a second try but late in the half Laurie Cooke went over for his first try which Needham converted to bring the score to 10 – 12 to the Newt owners.

The second half started well for the boys in black when Cooke ran in his second try but had to retire injured.

Forceful play by the Basildon forwards resulted in a push over effort under the posts which was duly converted to put them in the lead again.

A terrific attack by Rochford with the ball passing through many hands saw replacement wing Sam Barnes take full advantage to dive over to put his side back in front again at 20 - 19.

In a frantic last quarter the visitors looked the stronger, more organised side and a period of attacking play paid dividends for them and a final bonus converted try concluded proceeding and the start of celebrations for a jubilant Basildon.

As in previous weeks too many basic errors and poor handling let Rochford down and frustration of some refereeing decisions did not help their cause.

The side know that their play is not good enough at present and they must address team discipline issues as well as finding some cohesion over the coming weeks otherwise they will find it is going to be a very long and hard season.