A Stern Test

This time away to Romford for a friendly before the league matches resume. It was a fine morning when we arrived with our customary large entourage, keen to continue our recent good form, although we knew it would be a tough challenge as the opposition are in the higher pool this season and have picked up several new recruits.

Right from the kick off Romford put us under pressure with some strong tackling and rucking and soon were leading by 3-0. Rochford kept persisting with strong carries from Luke P, Christian and Luca, but could not break through. Romford retained the upper hand and the score was kept down by some last ditch holding tackles from Jack and Kieran, together with some poor handling from Romford when in sight of the try-line. Romford still managed to notch three more tries before Christian finally broke through for Rochford, with a trademark run with the Romford Speedster hot on his heels.

Romford added a further try before the interval to lead 7-1.

We rung the changes at half time to ensure all the boys had game time, with a few playing in new positions and managed to assert themselves in the scrum, which was positively acknowledged by the Romford Coach. Ben made some good ground on one wing with Daniel on the other and we kept knocking on the Romford try line, but could not quite breakthrough, despite some powerful drives led by Connor, George and Scott. Sam was typically terrier like at Scrum half, though frequently got involved in the rucks, which meant that Birthday boy Harrison switched from Fly Half to Scrum Half.

Romford then managed to re-exert some pressure but Rochford were able to hold them from touching down, before they then broke through to score two tries which took the score to be 9-1. Rochford kept pressing and finally Luke P finally broke through to notch a second try for Rochford, before a final try from Romford was scored.

The game was brought to a slightly premature end, due to a Romford injury.

Overall the game was played in good spirit and Rochford will take a lot of lessons from the game, which we can then be taken into the league game at Maldon next week. What was particularly pleasing was the fact that Rochford kept going right to the end.

Final point, it was clear that Ethan didn’t like being a sub, as he capsized the subs bench, upending poor Noah!

We were unable to obtain the Romford nomination of our Man of the Match, so the coaches decided to pick George from the forwards, and Ben from the backs, but as usual it was a tough decision as all the boys gave it their all.

Final Score Romford 50 – Rochford 10
Tries: Christian, Luke Pindani (1 each)