Harts fall short in Essex Cup Final

Firstly a huge thanks to all those that came to watch the Harts in their Essex Cup Final. A big crowd were in attendance and despite the Final result I am sure all of you enjoyed what was a fantastic game played in the right spirit by both clubs and was hugely entertaining through out.

Both Brentwood and Rochford turned up with good squads in what was going to be an entertaining afternoon but little did we know at that time how entertaining it would turn out to be.

Rochford started the brighter and within the first 10 minutes opened the scoring when Fitzpatrick having another fine game at 10 cleared the ball long down field for Baker to rush through pick up the ball and outpace the cover defence to get his first of the afternoon converted by Chipper, Rochford 7 – 0 Brentwood. It what turned out to be a back and forth match is was Brentwood who quickly equalised with a well worked try of their own through the centres splitting the Rochford defence in two. Rochford 7 – 7 Brentwood.

Rochford then hit back through an excellent try once again through the backs that saw Pickering race clear, Chipper adding the extra again. Rochford 14 – 7 Brentwood. Next up Brentwood pulled level again through which was the most controversial try of the game. After Rochford Captain Dan Bracknell was asked to pull his squad to one side to chat with them about the penalty count the referee would then proceed to NOT allow Rochford to reset and started the game whilst the Rochford squad were still huddled which Brentwood took advantage of by taking a quick tap and walking unopposed under the posts to once again bring themselves level, much to the disappointment of the crowd, players and coaching staff alike from both squads, Rochford 14 – 14 Brentwood.
Despite the obvious poor officiating at that point, Rochford put it behind them and began to dominate the remainder of the 1st Half, the powerful pack put in a fine display all after noon and eventually from a line out 10 metres out turned the screw and came away with another score through Mott again converted by Chipper to end the scoring of the first half and giving Rochford the lead at half time.
Half Time – Rochford 21 – 14 Brentwood

2nd half was played in much the same way as the first going end to end both sides trading scores, Brentwood pulled level early on through a well worked try of their own before Baker raced clear again after some excellent handling through the backs to score under the posts allowing Chipper to add the extras once more, Rochford 28 – Brentwood 26.

The scores were tight and Rochford then found themselves down to 14 men after Chipper had been shown a yellow card however during this period it was actually Rochford that increased the pressure and another fine try from Mott increased the lead to Rochford 33 – 26 Brentwood with less than 10 remaining. Brentwood were always strong and in the game though and going into last few minutes scored the final try of normal time to once again level the sides.
Full time Rochford 33 – 33 Brentwood.

Rochford were unlucky not to have finished off Brentwood as they were unfortunate to miss two penalty kicks at the end of each half which would of secured victory. As the 1st period of Extra time started Rochford were again down to 14 men, Baker got injured early on and Rochford having made all their replacements at this time were not able to bring anyone else on the even the teams up and to play for 18 plus minutes of the extra time with just 14 men.

During the 2nd period of extra time played it was Brentwood with just a couple of minutes remaining were able to break down the Rochford defence who had worked tirelessly all afternoon to record the Winning Try.

Final score Rochford 33 – 40 Brentwood.

Huge congratulations to Brentwood who more than played their part in an outstanding Final to become this season 2nd XV Essex Cup Champions. The Harts can all hold their heads up high and know that on any other day the Cup would have been theirs.
Well done to all involved, everyone gets a special mention to what has been a great season and not over just yet.

Next up Thurrock in the League Plate Final, time to put some wrongs right and finish with some real Silverware.