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Rochford Hundred skipper Harry Hudson ready for opener

ROCHFORD Hundred skipper Harry Hudson feels Amersham & Chiltern will be looking to ‘slap’ their hosts on the opening day of the London One North season tomorrow.

Amersham - who finished fourth last term - head to newly-promoted Hundred this weekend.

And summer signing Hudson feels Amersham will be looking to prove a point.

“We know it will be a challenge this weekend because no team finishes in the top four and looks down the table,” said Hudson.

“If I was them I’d be looking forward to giving us a slap as the new boys in the league but I am looking forward to the game.”

Rochford won the London Two North East title without losing a single game last season and are keen to secure more success this time around.

With that in mind, director of rugby Chris Green has bolstered his squad during the summer.

And Hudson insists Rochford will again be aiming high in the months ahead.

“As I’ve said before, no one in the team is going to be happy with a year to consolidate our position then push on,” said Hudson.

“We have high targets and aim to achieve them this year.”

Rochford have also been boosted by a successful pre-season and Hudson is feeling sharp heading into the campaign.

“Pre-season has gone really well personally,” said Hudson.

“Mark (Williams) and Luke (Brewster) are top class and I’ve worked with them for so long now that they know what I need to be at my best.

“I’ve been really impressed with the group as a whole too. They are a really welcoming group and know how to work hard.”

And Hudson therefore feels things are shaping up nicely.

“Training went up a notch on Tuesday, every position is tightly contested and that is showing in our results,” said Hudson.

“Squads one and two have won five out of five. There have also been perhaps surprise opportunities for Mark Ikhifa, Jamie Douglas, Will Ferrier and Liam Bass. But they’ve excelled and no-one is able to take a game off.”