ROCHFORD CHARACTER SHINES THROUGH

In this hard fought encounter Rochford’s fighting character was enough to see them through for a bonus point win but it was a close run thing.

Conditions were dark wet and murky especially in the later stages of this topsy turvy match.

On paper it was always going to be a hard contest and so it turned out to be but Rochford started at a furious pace and soon were seven points up curtesy of an individual effort from wing Jon Baker and a conversion by Dan Needham.

Saffron Walden hit back with a penalty kick and then a defensive lapse by the home team allowed Saffron to add another seven points with a converted try to put them ahead.

A penalty kick just before half time by Needham evened the score at 10 -10 at the break.

During that first period it was evident that the powerful Rochford eight had the measure of their opponents up front with good driving mauls, solid set scrum and lively lineout but Saffron were always dangerous with ball in hand.

Another noticeable factor was the strength of the Rochford defence which kept the visitors at bay.

An injury to captain Sam Tape just before half time was a big blow for the home side but sub Richard Mott coming on to partner Harry Brooker in the second row and later on Scott Goodliffe helped to maintain the forward power.

The second session started well for the Magnolia Road boys when Matt Stewart scored a terrific try and then followed up by finishing off a fine move with a second try which Dan Needham converted to put them in the driving seat at 22-10.

As is the case with Rochford nothing is straight forward and, once again, they let their opposition off the hook as Saffron Walden stormed back to score two tries, both of which were converted by their excellent kicker to take them 22-24 ahead.

The light was fading fast in the last quarter and the game became a little dour as both sides looked for supremacy.

The North Essex side kept looking for gaps all afternoon but impressive Rochford tackling kept the score line the same.

Dan Needham slotted over another penalty kick to edge his team in front at 25-24 and period of continuous Rochford forward pressure was rewarded with a penalty try and with the scoreboard showing 32 -24 with only a few minutes remaining it should have been game over.

That is not the Rochford way as, instead of closing the game down, they continued to play open rugby from deep inside there half and then gave away a penalty which Saffron Walden duly kicked over to reduce the score to 32-27 and only five points behind.

The visitors knew they had to keep the ball alive which they did and they threw everything at their opponents as the gloom set in and the clock ticked down and it was here where that Rochford character showed through.

They tackled like demons and somehow managed to soak up the pressure and eventually break away up field.

The referee blew the final whistle and yet another large sigh of relief from both players and spectators was heard throughout the ground.

Lots of good individual performances especially from Greg Whight who was immense all game and young Harry Brooker playing at second row

The front row of Michael Mark, Scott Chivers and Ricky Wiseman were all power in the scrum and loose.

In the backs Matthew Stewart celebrated his engagement with a terrific game and Jon Baker was as competitive as ever .Sam Edwards was a steadying influence at full back but it was a team performance with all 18 players doing their bit.

Well done to the whole team as it was a great effort but you do make it hard for yourselves.