There were still a number of chances that went begging but the team played with more cohesion and determination in difficult conditions and to give Norwich their due they really made a game of it.

After a lively start from the Norfolk side which Rochford soaked up, a good opening try from centre Michael Stemp set the mark. A penalty kick from Tom Ashton put the home team ahead, 8 – 0 in as many minutes.

A further try from impressive wing Nick Dolman duly converted by Ashton, was followed by another penalty, took the score to 18 -0 and it was all one way traffic at this stage.

The Rochford set scrum was as strong as ever and lineouts were working well so plenty of ball was available for the backs to run the angles but some sloppy finishing again let them down.

Sub Matt Stewart came on for injured Tom Bavington and it was apparent straight away that he was on his game. A well taken try from him converted by Ashton increase the lead to 25 – 0 going into the break.

At last Norwich started to win some ball and applied good pressure but the boys in black tackled hard to keep them out.

Unfortunately a lapse of concentration allowed the Norwich stand off to break through the Rochford defence to sprint a distance to score a late try under the posts which was duly converted.

It came just at the right time for them and they turned round only 25 – 7 adrift.

The second half with the strong wind behind should have assisted Rochford but Norwich managed to keep possession and go through a number of phases before they were rewarded with another try to narrow the deficit to 25 – 12.

It was beginning to look like another of those games of low achievement but the boys stepped up their game and forwards and backs started to put together some grand stuff with the likes of Stewart, Ashton, Dan Needham, Sam Edwards and others running some fine lines.

It was the experienced Edwards again at full back who showed off his skills to go over for the fourth and bonus point try and was then followed by a fine effort by Stewart who was buzzing around all game. Ashton converted that try and the team now played with real purpose and skill.

In the forwards Tom Corbet, who was playing a duel role at flanker then hooker was full of running and prop Michael Mark made good ground with some penetrating drives. Ryan Stephenson, coming back from injury had a good afternoon and Greg Whight, Scott Horsburgh and Darren Spencer played with real aggression.

A special mention, also, to scrum half Dan Bracknell, who the night before was struggling to play due to a bug but lasted the whole match and played with his usual flair and grit.

Full credit to Norwich as they fought hard to keep the home side at bay and showed determination throughout the match but Rochford had too much fire power and two more tries from Edwards again and Tom Corbet finished them off.