Rochford Harts suffer defeat in Essex Cup

After losing the toss and being forced to play downhill first half, (which is always Brentwoods game plan), the Harts began the game on the back foot. Brentwood’s large pack came out flying and really took the game to the boys in black but some great defence kept them at bay for the first five minutes, and as soon as Rochford got the ball in hands and with the wind at their backs began to turn the screw.

With Captain Head putting in some long kicks downfield to touch Rochford soon were in control. Keeping Brentwood inside their only twenty two the penalties began to come and with his first shot at goal Head duly converted to put the Harts ahead 0 – 3. Brentwood were now fired up and their large pack again took control. After some excellent forward play they eventually managed to drive Rochford over their own line for the opening try of the game, 5 – 3.

Rochford then suffered the loss of their Captain due to a very late challenge, and were forced to make a change as well as completely restructuring their backline. However undeterred they started to apply the pressure once again and with a clever kick by Lemon over the defence 10 yards out saw the ball bounce of the upright and land in the hands of Knight who dotted down for Rochfords first try, easily converted by the impressive Dan Bracknell 5 – 10. However with just a few minutes of the half left Brentwood again surged up field and managed to level the scores with a well taken try.

Half time 10 – 10

So all to play for in the second half, the Rochford boys felt they could take there hosts. However playing uphill and into the wind it was never going to be easy against a side unbeaten so far this year. Brentwood started brightly and once again used their powerful pack and driving maul to push over again to score in the corner, 15 – 10. Rochford however never gave up and put together some excellent phases of play that ended up in a penalty 25 yards out which was easily converted by Bracknell bringing the scores to 15 – 13 with just ten minutes left on the clock.

With the excellent defensive abilities being shown by both sides, the teams as well as the spectators knew that the next score could well seal victory and unfortunately for Rochford that went to Brentwood. With just 2 minutes left on the clock Brentwood managed to spin the ball wide in a good phase of rugby which saw there speedy winger racing down the line to score out wide 20 – 13.

A great game all round between two very good sides and although the Harts were disappointed on the day, the boys now know they have enough in the locker to beat this very good Brentwood outfit and look forward to taken them on again in the league in a few weeks time.