On a beautiful sunny Sunday at home, the U14’s met Stanford in the first round of the 2015/16 Essex Cup.
We started out strongly, but Stanford rose to the challenge and it was an extremely close match, with each team missing out on a try by inches.
In the first half, the frequent Rochford scrum was too much for the Stanford boys, but they pressured well, keeping our boys in check, until Charlie C broke thru for a try which was disallowed due to a double move – unlucky mate. Charlie G was determined though and after bulldozing his way through a third of the opposition, when his chance finally came, he slammed the ball over the line. The conversion kick by Jack was text book, a perfect shot. Good tackles from James C, Ricky and both Alex’s . And well done to our Pasty, who made his family come all the way from a weekend in Kent just for the game.
In the second half, the opposition kept up the pressure, narrowly missing a chance in the corner, and eventually getting through for a try. Some good strong supporting play from Sam, Harvey, Jamey S, Haidyn, Tommy B and Dec, and we kept the ball moving.
It was a good game all round, good natured. Marley did well at the back, in a new position for him, and Reece settled into the side of the pitch well .
Well done guys – 2 in a row – next week Braintree Dev squad, another home game