DEPLETED ROCHFORD FIGHT ALL THE WAY !

For most of the game and particularly in the first half Rochford competed with their more illustrious opponents and showed what they could be capable of with a fully fit side.

More names to add to that list of injuries looks like Tom Ashton, Andy Baker and Gavin Dyer who are all struggling at present.

However all the boys on display played their hearts out and tackled everything that moved which, in Chingfod’s case, was quite a lot.

The first quarter was very even and perhaps Rochford had the upper hand as they tore into their visitors with a purpose and were unlucky not to get an early score.

Chingford went ahead with a penalty kick to start the ball rolling and it was only in the later stages of the first session that they were able to break through the Rochford defence to score three tries, two of which were converted to put the score at the break at 0 – 22 to the visitors.

Rochford in the second half found it hard to win enough good regular ball from the set scrummage and line out to give their backs room to run at their opponents but a terrific back move involving a number of players resulted in centre Matt Stewart running in for a deserved try.

New signing Dan Allen had to move from full back to stand off when captain Tom Ashton left the field through injury and showed that he has the composure and talent that will be an asset to Rochford.

The sterling work that all the players put in began to take it’s toll although the scrum did become stronger later in the game and the Rochford eight pushed their bigger rivals about and applied some pressure. Unfortunately the lineout was not so successful as Chingford took control there and won ball away from the hard pressed Rochford forwards. James Needham, Tom Corbet, Josh Berry and all kept at their task but in the end the constant attacking of Chingford took it’s toll and gaps opened for them.

The further loss of flanker Andy Baker did not help things and in the last quarter and right up to the final whistle Rochford fought a rear guard action but had to concede a further four tries late in the game, three of which were converted.

The score was not a true reflection of the game as it was a keenly fought affair and a lot of credit must go to all the Rochford team who stuck to the job in hand right up till the final whistle.

Team: Wright, Chivers, Berry, Ellis, Day, Corbet, Baker A.Needham, J.Webb Ashton, Baker J, Lemmon, Stewart, Barber, Allen, Dyer, Chipper, Keating.