Harts fall short at Manor

Travelling to league leaders Eton Manor was never going to be an easy task, but Rochford Hundred Harts certainly travelled with pride and left their mark on an impressive Manor outfit.
Straight from the kick off it was clear that this was to be a bruising encounter and for the first 40 minutes both sides competed at a very high level although for little reward. Manor were using there big pack and excellent set piece to try and control the game only to be outdone by Rochford aggressive defence counter ruck and excellent open field play.
Neither side though could take advantage until on the stroke of half time Manor eventually broke the line with some superb attacking Rugby to get the first points on the board with a converted try.
Half Time Eton Manor 7 - 0 Rochford
From the restart after halftime, and following several changes Manor piled on the pressure. A well taken penalty was followed up by another converted try after sustained pressure on the Rochford defensive line to increase Manors lead and give them some breathing space. Eton Manor 17 - 0 Rochford.
Rochford them started to regroup and we're hitting back hard. Although after some excellent phases of play a mis-placed pass resulted in the Manor full back hacking through collecting his own kick and sprinting clear to extend their lead. Eton Manor 24 - 0 Rochford.
Manor followed this up with another unconverted try this time through their powerful driving maul. Eton Manor 29 - 0 Rochford.
It was the Harts however who had the final word. They continued to play with passion and a aggression and we're finally rewarded with a well taken try by Ridgeway out wide.
Final Score Eton Manor 29 - 5 Rochford
Score line flattered Eton Manor some what who were the first to admit it in fairness, but an excellent display of Rugby was on show which both teams seemed to thoroughly enjoy.