Harts XV
Matches
Sat 10 Dec 2016  ·  Division 1
Rochford Hundred Rugby Club
Harts XV
Tries: D Spencer, J Fitzpatrick, A Huckett, J Clarke (3), M Atkins, D BracknellConversions: N Dolman (4)
48
8
Chelmsford II
Rochford hit top form

Rochford hit top form

Adam Faherty14 Dec 2016 - 23:30
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Report by Paul Head

With the good win last week away at Chingford Rochford Harts XV looked to build on that success following a number of players returning over the past couple of weeks from injury illness and the international games (never knew we had so many internationals in our squad).

Chelmsford turned up with out a full front row so the game was uncontested which put the boys from Magnolia Road back a little as were fielding a big pack which would challenge any side in the league.

Chelmsford started strong and despite not having a front row were excellent in defence and powerful in attack securing ball and forcing Rochford to give a number of penalties away as they found their feet. Eventually some sustained pressure from Rochford saw Spencer split the defence and open the scoring. Rochford 5 – 0 Chelmsford.

Chelmsford hit back immediately with some aggressive play again forcing Rochford into mistakes and giving away another penalty this time in front on the posts which was duly converted by Chelmsford, Rochford 5 – 3 Chelmsford. The remainder of the half was end to end, some great play from both sides and excellent hands from the Rochford backline spreading the ball wide often only to fail to score through some great work rate in defence by Chelmsford. Midway through the half however Fitzpatrick showed a clean pair of heels to get over the line under the sticks for Dolman to convert, Rochford 12 – 3 Chelmsford.

Halftime Rochford 12 – 3 Chingford

A couple of changes at half time with Clarke and Huckett coming on to join the already enforced changes in the 1st half that saw Stephenson and Knolwes adding their strength and power to the pack. A great kick through from Huckett on the wing saw the ball bounce and bobble back into his hands and out strip the cover defence to increase Rochfords lead again converted by Dolman. Rochford 19 – 3.

Next up was the returning Clarke for the first and second of his hat-trick showing just what he has been learning down in Exeter, pace and power saw him speed through for 2 excellent tries one of which was converted. Rochford 31 – 3 Chelmsford.

Chelmsford however were still playing well and hit back with a try of their own, a cross field kick from their own 22 metre line saw their speedster winger collect the ball and outpace the cover defence to score out wide which went unconverted. Rochford 31 – 8 Chelmsford. That would have been the try for the day but up steps Atkins for Rochford, collecting the ball on the halfway line with 6 defenders around him, the versatile prop executed a cheeky chip over the top and great pick up, he was stepping like Michael Flatley and darted past the fullback to score (this was his version of events) He actually picked up some 3 yards out and crashed over but we will leaving him dreaming on this one, converted by Dolman, Rochford 38 – 8 Chelmsford.

With time ticking away Rochford still had some gas in the tank with Clarke adding the final of his 3 tries for the day and Bracknell finishing off which was a good day for the Harts bringing final scoreline to Rochford 48 – 8 Chelmsford.
Scoreline flattered Rochford a little as this was an excellent spectacle of Rugby and Chelmsford never gave up and battled hard all afternoon.

Next week and final game before Christmas break sees the Harts travel up the road to Thurrock who are also in fine form and which promises to be a great encounter.

Match details

Match date

Sat 10 Dec 2016

Kickoff

14:00

Meet time

12:45

Competition

Division 1

League position

5
Rochford II
8
Chelmsford II
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Main Club Sponsor - SEETEC
1st XV Sponsor - MAH Builders
1st XV Sponsor - Fairfield BMW
1st XV Sponsor - Swiftclean
1st XV Sponsor - MadiganGill
1st XV Sponsor - Grassed Up
Main Club Sponsor - Kelly Group
1st XV Player Sponsor - Securitatem Group
1st XV Sponsor - OCL Facades Ltd
1st XV Sponsor - I-MEX (M&E) Ltd
Club Sponsor - Zing Mortgages
Club Sponsor - Sureweld
1st XV Sponsor - JKS Group
Club Sponsor - Brocks Haulage
Club Sponsor - Alvaros
1st XV Player Sponsor - Middleham Park Racing
1st XV Player Sponsor - Andrew House
1st XV Player Sponsor - Fit Performance Strength & Conditioning
1st XV Player Sponsor - Kidz Camp Essex
1st XV Sponsor - Stanmore Ltd
1st XV Player Sponsor - John Drinkwater
Club Sponsor - The Backbenchers
1st XV Player Sponsor - Matt Norris
1st XV Player Sponsor - A&R Elite Scaffolding
1st XV Player Sponsor - Panel Supplies Ltd
1st XV Player Sponsor - Alan Peacock
1st XV Player Sponsor - Alchemy Horse Racing Systems
1st XV Player Sponsor - Tower Demolition
1st XV Player Sponsor - Maguire Roofing Ltd
1st XV Player Sponsor - Associated Foreign Exchange
1st XV Player Sponsor - Dantel Construction
1st XV Player Sponsor - Dancework Studio
1st XV Player Sponsor - Nuffield Health - Brentwood Hospital
1st XV Player Sponsor - Snappy Photo Booths
1st XV Player Sponsor - Mike Drinkwater
1st XV Player Sponsor - Ian Brown
1st XV Player Sponsor - ARC Systems Ltd
1st XV Player Sponsor - Peter Jay
1st XV Player Sponsor - Simon & Laura Wakefield
Club Sponsor - Hills Prospect
Club Sponsor - Silver City Estates Ltd
1st XV Sponsor - SDM Roofing Ltd
Club Sponsor - Hockley Dental Surgery
Club Sponsor - Michael J Norris and Son
Club Kit Supplier - Fenton Sports