Rochford Romp past Woodford

Rochford continued their impressive run with another fine performance to record another league win. Having lost a number of players to the 1st team this week Rochford 2nd XV were still able to field a strong side that showed dominance in the first half and put in a real strong performance carrying on from were they left off against Upminster in the Cup last weekend.

Rochford were all power and pace, the forwards and back linked beautifully to hit Woodford from the off and some strong forward play led to Obeney crashing over to record the first score of the day. Rochford 5 – 0 Woodford.
Harbrow was fielding all kick off returns getting the boys in black on the front foot all afternoon. Again aggressive forward play and an excellent blindside run led to Wiseman scoring his first of the afternoon duly converted by Chipper, Rochford 12 – 0.

The pace pressure and excellent open play swarmed the Woodford defence that was by no means rolling over but just could not sustain the growing pressure and further tries were scored through Illingworth, Goodliffe and then a great piece of running rugby near the end of the first half resulted in the returning Pickering who has been out for several months with a hand injury scoring himself, 2 of which were converted by Chipper to make a healthy halftime score line.

Rochford 36 – 0 Woodford.

Woodford hit back in the second half with some powerful play of their won only to be undone when Rochford re-control possession and Chipper himself getting over the line to extend Rochfords margin further, Rochford 41 – 0 Woodford.

Then came the best score of the game and it was Woodford this time getting on the score board, an inch perfect cross field kick from the fly half on the edge of the 22 fell sweetly into the wingers hands who only had 5 yards to run to get his team some points, Rochford 41 – 7 Woodford.

With the lead never looking too in danger and the scrums going uncontested which affected Rochford dominance upfront, the boys from Magnolia Road took their foot off the gas a bit and only registered 2 more tries through impressive centre Dolman and an excellent powerful run through Lacey both of which were converted by Chipper, Rochford 55 – 7 Woodford.

Irvine was unlucky not to score himself when the referee judged the ball to be held up over the line and then losing Lacey to a yellow in closing 10 minutes meant Rochford just saw the clock down to finish the game with a comfortable win. Couple of injuries were picked up late in the game one of which saw Ashton leave the field with a knee injury and we all wish him a speedy recovery and hope he can return before the season draws to an end.

With just 2 league games remaining as well as Rochfords continued involvement of the Essex Cup and League Cup playoffs there is still plenty to play for and will be looking to end the season well and hopefully grab some silverware.