CLINICAL LUTON EXPOSE ROCHFORD WEAKNESSES

After conceding a very early converted try Rochford had the better of the next 20 minutes with plenty of possession and territory but were unable score against a good defence.

Luton countered and scored another converted try and again the home side came back with gusto and this time did manage to score.

An excellent piece of good, fast interchanging gave scrum half Dan Bracknell a chance at the line which he took and Matt Stewart duly converted.

Rochford had the better of the line outs and competed aggressively at the loose but struggled all afternoon in the set scrum where the bigger, more experienced Luton eight had the upper hand.

Robert Prior at stand off was having an influential match with sure passing and kicking intelligently into space and Rochford created enough chance to score more points. Unfortunately it was Luton who finished the first half scoring with another late converted try to turn round 7 – 21 ahead.

The second half was more of the same with Rochford showing their paces with some good ball play but too much wayward kicking allowed the pacey Bedfordshire outfit to counter.

Two more tries followed both converted by their excellent kicker before late into the game second row Jack Pearce picked up a loose ball in mid half and set off on a gliding, looping run to outwit the opposition and dive over for a terrific individual effort.

He had had a good game winning clean lineout ball as well as being prominent in the loose

Greg White also won a great deal of lineout ball as well as putting himself about around the field as did the all action Tom Corbet, hooker Byron De Freitas and the ever present Andy Baker.

There were other fine performances from Rochford players and the game was entertaining to watch but in the end the superior finishing power of Luton could not be denied as shown when they concluded proceedings with a six converted try.

Three games left, all at home against Romford, Diss and Bury St. Edmunds before a curtain can be brought down on this disappointing season.