ROCHFORD MADE TO WORK HARD FOR BONUS POINT WIN

It should have been a great deal easier than this especially as Rochford managed to score 6 tries to the opponents 3 tries but basic errors and good play by the home side made it a very tense affair.

After initial Rochford power play without result Stowmarket broke away to score in the corner and in doing so put paid to Craig Webb’s debut at full back when he injured his knee in trying to prevent the try.

This was converted but Rochford came back with some pacey back play which after a number of attempts eventually resulted in wing Andy Baker speeding over for a try.

The visitors set scrummage was again dominating their opposition and driving Stowmarket back with virtually every scrum.

From one set piece back row Scott Horsburgh broke away and powered through for a fine individual effort and Tom Ashton duly converted to put his team in the lead.

Stowmarket struck back with a penalty kick before centre Matt Stewart went over for a third Rochford try to bring the score to 17 -10

Unfortunately more Rochford indiscretions were penalised by Stowmarket’s stand off as he slotted over another penalty kick to keep them in touch.He then kicked another shortly after to bring them within 1 point behind at 17 – 16 as the whistle blew for half time.

Rochford opened the second half with a Tom Pickering try, playing admirably at scrum half, which Ashton converted. This try brought up the bonus point to put the visitors ahead at 24 – 16.

This should have been the time when the boys in black should have settled the outcome of the match but it was credit to Stowmarket that they seemed to increase the tempo of their game and took control of the ball supply to launch a number of attacks.

They were rewarded with a good try by their hooker which was converted and then followed by another try, again confidently converted by their no.10.This took them into a 30 – 24 lead and it was looking a little worrying for Rochford.

The team needed to concentrate their minds and use the power of their set piece to control the ball supply.They gradually started to do this and Horsburgh, who was having a marvellous game, drove over to score again for Ashton to gain the extra 2 points to retake the lead.

The score line remained the same until late in this nail biting encounter a great break by the impressive wing Jon Baker was finished off by centre Matt.Stewart who dived over for his second try to increase their lead to 36 – 30.

Stowmarket still kept at it as there was only one score the difference but when Rochford were awarded a penalty just outside the Suffolk’s side twenty two Tom Ashton kicked it over to make it a two score difference. A few frantic minutes followed before the final whistle went and Rochford came away with what they needed but it they were made to work hard for it.

Excellent personal performances from the likes of Michael Marks, Horsburgh, Darren Spencer, Greg,Whight, Jon Baker and others but not vintage Rochford by any means and when they do eventually get round to putting it all together without the mistakes then some teams are going to suffer.