Rochford Hundred move off bottom with draw against Chingford (From Echo)

Rochford Hundred move off bottom with draw against Chingford

1:00pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

ROCHFORD Hundred moved off the foot of the London One North table with a spirited 15-15 draw at Chingford.

The men from Magnolia Road were desperate to bounce back from a disappointing derby defeat to Basildon.

And their improved display was praised by the club’s first team manager Graham Pratt.

“There were at last some positive signs that we’re getting our act together as we put in a fiery, determined and gritty performance in cold, wet and blustery conditions,” said Pratt.

“There were excellent displays by many players who worked so hard to get a deserved victory but just fell short in the end.

“There was a big improvement in attitude and performance and with the introduction of George Fouche, who has taken control of the forward coaching to allow head coach Mark Sexton to concentrate on the backs, there is a feeling of new found confidence that this could be the beginning of a change in the team’s fortunes.”

Rochford were forced to come from behind to force a draw after the home-side scored a soft opening try after what appeared to be a dropped pass over the line.

Hundred soon hit back to level the scores with an excellent try from Richard Mott.

Chingford then regained the lead with an unconverted try but, just before the break, Rochford again hit back with a try from winger Nick Brown to ensure the score was level at half-time.

They then went in front for the first time when winger Sam Barnes sped through for a fine try but Chingford soon replied with a try of their own to make it 15-15.

Right at the death, Rochford were awarded a penalty a way out but in front of the posts and, although Dan Needham’s big kick had the accuracy it was lacking the distance as the ball just fell below the posts.

Rochford Hundred: Mark,Defreitas, Coombe,Whight,Mott,Stemp,Farren, J Needham,Bracknell,O’Connor,Brown,Ventress,Stewart,Barnes, D Needham

Replacements: Cook,Searle & Boxtel