London northeast division 2 Rochford hundred 26 SWF 3

South Woodham Ferrers on the back of there defeat last week came to Rochford with a determination to put things right, but knew that Rochford are a good team and at home would provide a tough encounter. The game started at a frantic pace and this led to a lot of errors on both sides, and the both missed kickable penalties. Rochford were first to score in the left corner after 16 minutes and the conversion added saw them lead 7-0. They immediately went for the jugular and in the 18th minute only a fantastic chase and tackle from winger Price saved a certain try, but at the cost of a yellow card for centre Reid for kicking the ball away.

The game was still being dominated by errors from both sides but although a man down SWF scored next from a penalty just outside the 22 Cumbers knocked it over and the score was 7-3. The Rochford backs were looking dangerous every time they got the ball but the SWF defence was standing firm. With the introduction of the 15th man it was SWF who were inching there way into the game, but a wayward pass on the wing left a clear run for Rochford to score a soft try in the 35th minute to leave the score at halftime 14-3.

The next score was going to be crucial and unfortunately it went to Rochford straight from the kick off, SWF secured possession but a low pass led to Cumbers spilling the ball and although the ref was signalling scrum Rochford played advantage well and scored what was to be another soft try. Now 21-3 down there was a mighty hill for SWF to climb and Rochford now played the game with a swagger especially with their impressive back line who seemed sur ego score off every play such was their speed and accuracy of pass. It is a testament to SWFs defence they did not allow the floodgates to open. Rochford however were in the hunt for the bonus point and passed up 4 kickable penalties in a row and on the 4th effort scored their try from a 5m line out in the 70th minute. SWF did have a couple of half opportunities in the last 10 minutes but to no avail and the score finished 26-3 to a deserving Rochford side.

Squad: Neil Gittos, David Langley, Lewis Gilbert, Paul Morgan, James Wilson, Ryan Marshall, Liam Searles, David Bull Joe Dukelow, Ryan Cumbers, Curtis Apthorp, Reid Fairbarn, Dale Borthwick, James Price, Jack Reeve, John Murphy, Andrew Jenkins, Philip Lockwood.

Next week SWF are at home to Braintree