Harts maintain home record

Rochford Hundred 2nd XV managed to maintain their unbeaten home form albeit to an understrength and out numbered Thurrock side. As the game kicked off the rain stopped and the sun emerged to allow both sides to play some good quick running rugby.

Rochford started the brighter using the extra numbers to power up field and release the backs for Delicata to keep his try count going and to score out wide, Rochford 5 – 0 Thurrock. Soon after Rochford were attacking again although dogged defence and some handling errors and poor decision were keeping Rochford from extending their lead. Eventually the ball fell in the hands of the impressive Illingworth who did manage to brush off a couple of tackles to get over, Rochford 10 – 0 Thurrock.

As far as Rochford were concerned that seemed to be the end of their half although there was still 20 minutes to play. Thurrock were not about to lie down despite the disadvantage in numbers and produced some fine attacking rugby through their forwards and backs, managing to score a try and two penalties to take the lead at the half time whistle.

Half Time Rochford 10 – 11 Thurrock

Some stern words at halftime from Coach Stephenson seemed to wake up the Harts who started much brighter in the second half, putting some good phase work together Needham raced to the line for his first of the afternoon and with Spencer taking over the kicking duties Rochford were back in the lead, Rochford 17 – 11 Thurrock.

Ridgeway was then dismissed for 10 minutes for a late challenge on the Thurrock wing but this didn’t seem to dent Rochfords growing confidence as they added another try through Goodliffe converted by Spencer and then another 3 points from Spencer via a penalty, Rochford 27 – 11 Thurrock.

More hard work from the forwards then allowed Spencer to get a try of his own which again he duly converted and gave Rochford a now comfortable lead, Rochford 34 – 11 Thurrock. As the minutes counted down Needham managed to get his second of the day out wide after some fine work through the hands of his backline, Rochford 39 – 11 Thurrock.

However it was Thurrock that had the last word and with the last play of the game they rallied once more to go over again for a well deserved converted try to finish with some pride which was wholely deserved for playing the full 80 minutes with the disadvantage of players.

Final Score Rochford 39 – 18 Thurrock

Next week sees the Harts travel to unbeaten Chingford, they know they need to be on their game from the first minute in this one to ensure they keep their winning run going as its never an easy game.
Man of Match – this week goes to Kyle Lacey, worked tirelessly in defence and was superb in the loose always putting his pack on the front foot from some hard driving carries. Well deserved.