THIRTEEN proved lucky for Rochford Hundred as they ended a run of 12 games without a win by beating OId Haberdashers 22-13.

The hard fought victory pushed bottom of the table Hundred closer to the teams just above them in the relegation zone.

And a return to winning ways also delighted their first team manager Graham Pratt.

“It was great to get a win at last and it was well deserved too,” said Pratt.

“We showed grit and character to overcome middle of the table Haberdashers.

“Pitch conditions did not favour a running game so it was up to the forwards to do the hard yards and that’s what they did to give the whole squad a whole boost.

“But we know we must go up a few more gears when we play Eton Manor this weekend.”

However, Rochford will go in to that game with renewed confidence after performing strongly against Old Haberdashers.

Their early pressure was rewarded with a Nick Ventress penalty before Old Haberdashers responded with a penalty try.

Ventress replied with two more penalties but the visitors added one of their own to lead 10-9 at half-time.

Rochford hit back after the break though with top scorer Sam Barnes speeding over for a terrific try to give the home-side a 14-10 lead.

Haberdashers reduced the deficit with another penalty but Ventress kicked over his fourth penalty to keep Rochford on the front foot.

But it soon began noticeable that Rochford were getting the upper hand and the momentum was with them.

They went up a gear as the game went into the last few minutes and another fine piece of play saw full back Marcus Spremulli dash through a tired Haberdasher defence to score a match clinching try.

Rochford: Mark,DeFreitas,Coombe,Wiseman,Knowles,Dorrington,Spencer,Whight, O’Connor, Ventress,Edwards,Tusini,Stewart,Barnes,Spremulli Replacements: Cook,Day & Bavington