westcliffrfc.co.uk Match Report

Rochford had first use of the strong wind but after their initial attack it was Westcliff that looked the liklier side and indeed scored the first try when Pat Redding finished a move out on the right that had started on the far wing. It was unconverted.
Paul Edwards, who retired from 1st XV rugby last season appeared again and was his usual tower of strength in the lineout and the pack in general were masters of the loose.
Up front Rochford were not outshone and pinched a striked against the head but it did them no good as they failed to clear and Pat Redding broke through a lineout and dashed away to score under the posts for Graham Cox to convert and make it 12-0.
Westcliff were soon deep in Rochford territory again and it was lock Don Mhlaba who forced his way over for a try, again not converted.
Despite playing into the wind there was no stopping Westcliff and there were some excellent tackles going in.
Forwards and backs combined to send John Sigwart away to the line for a 22-0 lead at the break.
All this time Elliot Levy had been up in attack and back in defence when needed and he got his reward with an unconverted try soon after the restart. At 27-0 the Harts looked down and out.
Westcliff cancelled out the earlier strike against the head with one of their own but that seemed to jolt the visitors and they attacked hard and a mistake in defence left them with a simple try which was not converted.
From a lineout, Jamie Cook took the ball, ran round the blind side and zipped in for a try which Graham Cox goaled.
Rochford attacked again and the Lions' defence held firm and there was one particular teeth-juddering tackle from prop Andrew Bakonyvari.
However, a gap was found in the home defence and Rochford slipped through it for converted try to round off the scoring.