Harts Back on Track

Following the disappointing loss to Southend in their last league outing Rochford Harts put in a dominant first half performance to get back to winning ways. The boys knew they needed a big game to get the confidence back and put down a marker as they look to finish the season strong in this year’s league campaign.

The game started well for the Harts, from the kick off they managed to secure the ball and the forwards immediately put pressure on Chelmsford turning the ball over at the ruck and worked deep into the opposition 22. It was then time to release the backs, Stemp took the ball down the blindside and fed the ball wide to Gledhill who outpaced the Chelmsford back line to open the scoring in the corner superbly converted by Captain Chipper, Rochford 7 – 0 Chelmsford. This set the pattern for the first half as each time Rochford had ball in hand through the forwards or the backs looked dangerous, exploiting gaps, using their power and strength which Chelmsford just didn’t have any answer to.

The Harts were in complete control and a further 5 tries came in the first half, a brace for Pickering and one each for Stemp, Barnes and Warner, 4 of these were converted by Chipper to take the score at half time to Rochford 40 – 0 Chelmsford. Perhaps complacency set in come the second half but from the kick off Rochford allowed Chelmsford back in the game, from a 5 metre line out Chelmsford managed to secure their own ball and drive through the defence to get themselves on the score sheet, Rochford 40 – 5 Chelmsford.

The Harts weren’t just about to roll over and managed to assert their authority again, with some tireless work from the forwards managed to secure the ball and control the game. Eventually Rochford managed to break down the resilient Chelmsford defence and Captain Chipper managed to split the defence and score under the posts adding the conversion to his own try to push the Harts further out in front, Rochford 47 – 5 Chelmsford. The lads from Magnolia Road had then set themselves the challenge of breaking the 50 point barrier, however Chelmsford had other ideas. They managed to assert some of their own control on the game and using the big powerful pack managed to secure possession and ended up deep inside the Rochford half and finally broke down the defence to score their second try of the game, Rochford 47 – 10 Chelmsford.

The Harts however were not about to let them have the last word on the game and through some excellent passing and interchanging through the backs, Dolman managed to break the defensive line and was unlucky to be brought down just 15 yards short of the line however support was on hand and Fly half Head took the pop off pass from Dolman to out sprint the cover defence and crash over the line for the final try of the game again converted by Chipper. Final score Rochford 54 – 10 Chelmsford.

The Harts can be pleased with their efforts but know in the coming weeks will have to maintain that level they have set themselves, with a tricky league game next week against table topping Westcliff then followed by an Essex Cup Semi-Final away to Chingford which will either make or break their season.