On a cold but bright afternoon the 300 plus crowd were treated to a hard and competitive match where Rochford showed that they can give as good as their get especially after such a disastrous first half.

Ironically the home side started so well when in the first few minutes Chris Shields drove over for a well taken try and Chris Dudman added the extra two points. As so happens many times the opposition struck back straight away with a try of their own when Mackenzie Oliver grounded, and Fraser Honey converted to level the scores.

This opened the floodgates as fast and skillful Redruth went up a few gears and scored 4 more tries by Bonds (2) Thomas, and Oulton with Honey converting 2 of them. Although Rochford fought hard against this tide and when they had the ball looked dangerous it seemed the writing was on the wall. They could not add any more points and at the break turned round 7 – 31 down.

Whatever was said at half time it did the trick as the boys in black came out a different side and took the game to their more vaunted opponents who are at present topping the table.

After some sustained forward pressure on the Redruth line Harry Hudson crashed through to score and Dudman converted. The Cornishmen struck back with a penalty kick by Honey but that was their last score of this entertaining encounter.

Rochford became more dominant up front using their powerful forwards to advantage and also getting their backs into action forcing the pace. Full back Mark Billings ran in for his 80th try for Rochford and Chris Dudman kicked over the conversion. The home side were now just 21 – 34 behind with 20 minutes to go and looking good.

Classy Redruth responded with a number of attacks, but Rochford’s defence was excellent and somehow kept the West Country men at bay and with seconds to spare once gain struck back.

Going into the eightieth minute and throwing everything at the Redruth defensive line Hudson scored his second try under the posts and Dudman duly obliged by slotting over the conversion. Just too late to go for what at one stage would be a most unlikely victory but obtaining two bonus points and only being 6 points adrift was ample consultation for such a remarkable comeback.