Point ace Tom Ashton pleased with Rochford Hundred reward

TOM Ashton was thrilled to start his second spell at Rochford Hundred with a 27-point haul against Enfield Ignatians.

Ashton returned to Rochford from Southend in the summer.

And he was delighted to help Rochford kick off their London Two North East campaign with a convincing 42-10 away win.

“I was really happy for the lads on Saturday because it was a long tough season for them last year,” said Ashton. “They have worked really hard over the summer and for some of the plays to come off was great to see.

“But it was the first league game so, as you expect, there are still things to work on and I’m sure if the players keep putting in the hard yards on the training pitch then I can’t see why we won’t be successful this term.”

Rochford and Ashton will now be looking to secure a second successive victory when they host local rivals Basildon at Magnolia Road on Saturday.

Basildon were relegated along with Rochford from London One North last term.

And Ashton cannot wait for this weekend’s rematch between the two teams.

“I am really looking forward to it personally as it’s been a few years since I have played in a local derby,” said Ashton, who is the club’s vice-captain this season.

“They always have a little extra spice so I am confident that our lads will be up to the physical challenge that Basildon will put our way.

“But if we play how I know we can then I don’t see why we can’t get a positive result and keep up our good start to the season.”