Cup run carries on!!

Playing at home in front of a fairly decent crowd Rochford Hundred Harts extended their unbeaten run and impressive Essex Cup form. However Campion where certainly not there to make up the numbers, and despite a difference of two leagues between the sides there wasnt a great deal between them on the field.

Campion started the brighter and due to a number soft penalties from the home side Rochford where pinned deep into their own half for the fist quarter of the game. During this period the exceptional boot of the Campion fly half managed to score a penalty which was quickly followed by a drop goal to take a lead of Rochford 0 – 6 Campion.

Once the indiscipline had been addressed Rochford started to take control of the game, using the impressive pack pressure soon turned on Campion and the rest of the half was played with Campion unable to get their hands on the ball and only excellent defence kept Rochford at bay. Too many handling errors from the lads from Magnolia Road was the problem on the day and they gave away too much possession always allowing Campion to clear their lines and ease the pressure.

The break through finally came for the Harts with the last play of the half, the Campion 10 tried to run the ball out of defence down the blindside from a scrum but when confronted with a strong defensive wall had no where to go and tried to release his winger, however this was brilliantly intercepted by wing Josh Levy and he sped clear of any defensive cover to score Rochfords first try of the game which was converted by stand in skipper Head, half time Rochford 7 – 6 Campion.

After the half time chat Rochford knew they needed to up their game, and they responded well. The rest of the game was controlled by Rochford but silly handling errors and some resolute Campion defense kept the home side from extending their lead. The turning point in the game came after Head juggled about his backline moving Dolman from the wing into the centre following the retirement of Gledhill and then the gaps started to appear. With ball in hand Rochford started to look dangerous and Dolman started to take advantage of some tired defence and was breaking the line with ease. Following a well executed move Dolman managed to split the centres apart and offloaded to Pickering who hit the line at pace stepped around the fullback with ease and crossed the line. With Head adding the conversion Rochford were finally in control, Rochford 14 – 6 Campion.

The rest of the game was seen out with the Harts in control and only the impressive defensive work was keeping them at bay. A much more encouraging second half performance and a good win put the lads in good spirits and through to the semi-final of the Essex Cup which sees them take on Chingford away on February 11th 2012. Next weekend is the final game before the Christmas break, and the Harts are at home again in a return to league competition against Brentwood.