Basildon vs. Rochford U9s, 17 January 2010

The games were played on a pitch with a bit of a slope to it, and Rochford, playing downhill in the first half, started off well, spreading the ball about and finding space.

Basildon were well organized though, and although Rochford made some good breaks, there were few clear cut chances. No score in the first half, and playing uphill Rochford were initially kept in their own half by good pressure and recycling of the ball from Basildon, but they also had few clear chances. Midway through the second half though, Rochford started to take the game to Basildon, and a series of good runs, particularly from Corey Lazell, moved us towards the try line.

There followed a series of mauls, with neither side really getting the upper hand, before Corey once again made a break, and although caught just at the line, managed to dive over and touch down despite the attentions of two Basildon defenders.

In the final couple of minutes, some excellent tackling kept Basildon away, though Rochford had a lucky escape when one of the Basildon players touched was through, but got confused about where the try line was and touched down 5 yards too early. The game was closed out when a Basildon player was then tackled into touch, and meant that Rochford had achieved their narrowest victory this season.