In the Final pre-season game before the League season starts Rochford Hundred Harts XV took on a very strong travelling Harpenden side immediately following the 1st XV’s meeting between the two sides.

It was obvious from the first half that the Harts were taking some time to settle as a side and struggled to work out the new defensive system and Harpenden exploited this running in 5 tries in the first 40 minutes through their impressive and strong running back line.

Positives for Rochford at this point was they were dominant in the scrum with the set piece working well along with the line out and attacking with ball in hand looked dangerous with Edwards opening the scoring early on and Bowen racing away to pull a one back just before halftime which Prior converted.

Half time – Rochford 12 – 27 Harpenden

Rochford knew they needed to get up to speed and quickly, especially after again conceding 2 more tries early on in the 2nd half. Rochford 12 – 37 Harpenden.

Some personnel changes from both sides and the tide of the game swung significantly in Rochfords favour. The defence started to work well, but it was ball in hand that The Harts looked very dangerous. The whole squad worked tirelessly through out the game and in the final 20 minutes were able to run in 3 excellent scores through Fitzpatrick, Levy and Marshall the latter of which was unlucky not to go over again during the final play of the game.

All set up nicely for the start of the League season and if they the lads start the same way they finished this game will pose a significant threat to the League this year.

Final score Rochford 29 – 37 Harpenden