A very disappointing afternoon for Rochford especially as there was a degree of optimism in the squad after some good recent performances.

An excellent early start which saw flanker Andy Baker, back into the side after injury and work commitments, finish off a fine move by the boys in black and a Tom Ashton conversion added to the general feeling that perhaps this was going to be the turning point of the season.

Unfortunately how wrong can one be as a well organised and efficient Bury side recovered quickly from the set back and spent the rest of the afternoon teaching Rochford a lesson in team work and support play.

They scored eight tries, four of which were converted, and could have put more points on the board if they had had a decent kicker. Bury showed that there is no substitute for fast direct rugby using a combination of close quarter forward play down the blindside and moving the ball with quick hands through the backs.

There were flashes during the game where Rochford showed glimpses of their true talent but they were not organised enough and Bury’s defence work was more than good enough to cope.

A late, well taken, try by substitute Matt Stewart duly converted by Ashton was no real compensation for a miserable afternoon for the boys.

There were a few good performances from some players, particularly Dan Needham at full back who ran and tackled until he dropped and the set scrum seemed more secure but small consolation with a home encounter against league leaders Westcliff next week.

Team: Chivers, Corbet, Wright, Ellis, Dyer, Robinson, Baker A, Needham J, Webb, Ashton, Barber, Allen, Hall, Stubbs, Needham D, Meadows, Stewart, Wiseman