ROCHFORD BOUNCE BACK IN STYLE

After the disappointment of last week Rochford put on a Christmas show for their large number of supporters to run out worthy winners against old local rivals Basildon.

Scoring seven tries without reply the home side played with a determination and commitment which was missing last Saturday and moved the ball wide as well as using the power of their forwards up front.

Adam Ashton carried on from the previous week by slotting over an early penalty which was swiftly followed up by the excellent Scott Chivers who powered over for a try.

A second try came via strong winger Matthew White, who improves with every game, which put Rochford firmly in the driving seat at 13 -0.

Basildon, to their credit, came to play rugby as well and a period of pressure from them came to nothing due to good Rochford defence and some errors from the visitors.

The Rochford set scrum was back on track again as was their driving maul which gained good territory on a number of occasions and the home team were duly rewarded through further tries from impressive flanker Tom Corbet and another from Matt White to conclude the first half scoring and provide a try bonus point for his team.

Rochford went into the break with a 23 – 0 advantage and the crowd looked forward to seeing more of the same in the second half.

With Captain Sam Tape back after injury collecting good lineout ball as well as Ross Murphy dominating the front of the line Rochford secured plenty of useful attacking ball which gave the back line the chance to show what they can do with a bit of space and Michael Stemp and Matt. Stewart exploited this to good effect.

The visitors kept trying to run the ball whenever they had the chance and were unlucky not to score on a few occasions but Rochford’s defence was sound.

Hundred picked up the pace once again and scrum half Brett Smith went over from close range after good forward work.

This was followed by number eight Scott Horsburgh driving through to ground the ball and Ashton to add the two points.

Finally, and perhaps fittingly, big Harry Brooker scored a try in his final game for the club before he takes a five month break to tour the Far East in the New Year.

Basildon were determined to put some points on the board and threw everything at Rochford but the Magnolia Road lads were equally determined that they would not and that’s the way it stayed.

An excellent way to finish off the first half of the season with some restored confidence and to take a well-earned holiday before travelling up to Diss on 10th January and other hard games to come.

Well done lads and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and successful New Year.