ANOTHER MISSED OPPORTUNITY

Like the previous loss against Chelmsford Rochford had it in their grasp to win this hard and competitive encounter but in the end allowed Saffron the chances to put the game out of reach.

The home side took those chances well which even included two drop goals to take the match away from the boys in black.

It all started well with Rochford applying good pressure which led to a Tom Ashton penalty kick .This lead did not last long as Saffron came straight back and scored a try and then followed up with an interception try from a promising Rochford attacking move.

They converted it to take the score to 3 – 12 against the general run of play as Rochford were winning good ball from a strong set scrum and line out but the loose was a mess where the home side were allowed to infringe continuously and disrupt the play.

Chances to score were created but either good defence or slack finishing stopped Rochford from putting more points on the board.

Saffron, however, did take their chances and they went over for another try just before the break to put them ahead 17 – 3.

The visitors needed to react positively, which they did, when full back Marcus Spremulli ran through from deep to score a lovely try after some typical fast Rochford play involving many players.Ashton slotted over the conversion to bring the deficit to within one score and the momentum was now with them.

Just when that little extra was required to take full advantage of the situation Rochford somehow conspired to let it slip and Saffron Walden came back strongly with their fourth and bonus point try which was duly converted from the touchline.

Rochford did respond again and put some fast, flowing rugby together with the likes of Ashton, Dan Needham, Matt Stewart combing well to create the opportunity for Stewart to speed over the line for another fine effort.The try was duly converted by Ashton and it was back into one score territory again at 17 -24.

That was when it fell apart for the Essex boys as ground was conceded and they found themselves in their own twenty metre area by a rejuvenated Saffron who applied constant pressure.

Their stand-off took full advantage and kicked over a drop goal and then did exactly the same gain shortly after when he found his team in a similar position again.

With a lead of 17 – 30 going into the last few minutes it looked all over but Rochford dug deep and threw everything at their opponents and substitute wing Laurie Cooke found space and ran in for a late try.

The conversion of the try would, at least, give Rochford a losing bonus point but the kick was just a little too far out for even the ever reliable Tom Ashton.The ball drifted just wide and the final whistle blew to give a delighted Saffron something to celebrate.

A week off next Saturday and then a trip to Braintree which will be another tough test.