ROCHFORD PREVAIL IN THIS DOUR AFFAIR

As a match there was not very much to recommend it as both sides tended to cancel each other out for the most part and there were too many errors and poor play from both sides.

It was a shame as Rochford dominated so many aspects of play ,including total control in the set scrum and had the better of the lineouts and should have had this poor game put away long before the finish.

It was a typical Rochford v Basildon encounter as the home side came out with all guns blazing to put their long standing rivals under pressure and were rewarded by an early try by their no.6 after driving play from the forwards.

It was apparent right from the start that Rochford’s scrum was going to give Basildon a torrid time and they used it to advantage to launch a number of attacking moves but good Basildon defence and some Rochford errors prevented them from scoring.

Eventually pressure paid off and a series of powerful forward drives saw the visitors over the line and no.8 Ross Murphy emerge triumphant with ball in hand.Tom Ashton converted to put his team into the lead and when another strong piece of play saw the Rochford forwards drive over the Basildon line and prop Michael Mark grounding the ball it all looked good for the boys in black.

That was as good as it got as the game became bogged down with too many infringements giving the busy referee plenty of opportunity to use his whistle.

What could and perhaps should have been an entertaining match with both sides willing to run the ball became a stop start affair played, for the most part, in the centre of the field with little attacking positions.

In addition there was plenty of niggle between the two teams and Rochford did not do themselves any favours by picking up a couple of yellow cards during the second half but they managed to weather the Basildon storm through that period.

There was no more scoring and Rochford had to defend well against a determined Basildon who kept the pressure up until the bitter end.

Rochford at least came away with a win and Basildon will probably be happy with a losing bonus point but it should have been a great deal more for a disappointing Rochford who knew that they had not done themselves justice.

Good performances from the likes of Ross Murphy, Tom Corbet and all the pack and a particular well done to Darren Spencer who was outstanding in his defensive and attacking work.