ROCHFORD’S POOR AWAY FORM CONTINUES

In a fractious and error strewn game Rochford came off second best to a tenuous and committed Holt outfit anxious not to be outplayed by the boys from Essex.

It was a long way to travel to lose as they did due to a lack of finishing power again and some poor decision making combined with having to deal with a strong Holt pack that gave the visitors a real game.

Rochford started in good form and attacked from the off but that continual weakness of doing all the hard work but not being able to cross the line came into play but they did get a penalty which Tom Ashton duly slotted over.

Holt soaked up the early pressure and grew in confidence as they powered their way down to the Rochford line and then were awarded a scrum from which they drove over for a push over try.

Still no alarm bells yet but the Norfolk team gradually became stronger thanks to their well organised pack who kept the ball tight and gained metres by simply driving Rochford back in loose and tight play.

They also disrupted by fair means and foul a great deal of Rochford attempts to open up the game and many attacks were broken down before they could develop,but not helped by some pretty average handling errors by the visitors.

Another similar try followed for Holt as their forwards drove over the line and the half ended with the home side 10 – 3 up and pleased with their efforts.

The second half started better for Rochford as they forced their way down field and gained a penalty which Stand off Ashton put between the posts to reduce the deficit.

Holt, however, regrouped and applying more pressure, were rewarded with a well taken try by their winger after some slick running and handling through the back line.

This try was converted and suddenly Rochford realised that the game was running away from them and started to put together some good play and showed during this phase some of those quick feet and good handling skills that they are known for.

At last a breakthrough when Andy Baker, filling in at scrum half, ferreted through the Holt pack and found a gap to ground the ball for an opportunist try and which Ashton converted to bring the score to 13 – 17 in favour of the home side and all to play for going into the last few minutes.

The Essex team could have won the match in these dying minutes when they broke away downfield with a delightful piece of pacey rugby but a wrong decision in offloading and some good defensive play by Holt stopped that .

To rub salt into the wound another last ditch effort was thwarted when a penalty to Rochford was reversed by the referee after an altercation and Holt promptly kicked the ball into touch to start their celebrations for job well done.