2ND Half costs Harts

In a welcome return to Merit League Rugby, Rochford Hundred Harts found it tough going against last season League and League Cup Champions Eton Manor.

With both teams looking to get off to a good start it was Eton Manor that took the early advantage scoring a well worked try out wide after 20 odd minutes of both sides feeling each other out, Rochford 0 – 5 Eton Manor. Rochford then powered back getting a penalty within range that Ashton converted, Rochford 3 – 5 Eton Manor.

Manor then scored another that seemed to be an exact copy of their first to push further ahead this time converted, Rochford 3 – 12 Eton Manor.

With both sides settling down it was Rochford that were in control of the set piece. The line out being led by Whight was looking good and the scrum was far superior to Eton Manors, where front row of Levy, King, Wiseman and later Mark were in total control.
It was through one of these scrums 5 metres out that Rochford powered over the Eton Manor line and were eventually rewarded with a penalty try as the Manor pack crumbled.

Half time Rochford 10 – 12 Eton Manor.

As the second half kicked off this is where Rochford lost the game. Some changes in midfield from Eton Manor saw there excellent back line run in 4 converted unanswered tries in the first 20 minutes of the second half which ultimately put the nail in the coffin for the Harts. Rochford 10 – 40 Eton Manor.

Similar to last week going into the final quarter of the game Rochford suddenly turned on the power, pace and skill. They hit back through 3 excellent tries through Baker, Levy and Whight one of which Ashton converted and with less than 10 minutes to play looked back in the game, Rochford 27 – 40 Eton Manor.

The next score was vital and unfortunately for Rochford this went the way of Eton Manor, after some very dubious refereeing decisions made at both the line out and ruck, Manor took advantage scoring 2 more converted tries to finish the game.
Rochford 27 – 54 Eton Manor.

The Harts now know where they need to get to in order to challenge for League titles as I am sure Eton Manor will be right up there in defending their title this season. With a few tweaks to the squad in coming weeks with a number of players returning from injuries and holidays The Harts are full of confidence and self belief they will also be in the mix come end of season.