ROCHFORD Hundred were unable to upset London Two North East champions Chelmsford as they sunk to a 40-14 defeat.

Sixth placed Rochford had been hoping to secure a shock success But, despite the defeat, their first team manager Graham Pratt was keen to point towards the positives.

“I think there are many plusses to take into next week’s last league match against Saffron Walden,” said Pratt.

“In particular there was the aggression, support work and ball handling as well as the good set scrummage.”

“But the score line devalues our contribution to this competitive match and the final score did not reflect the full picture.” Rochford started well and took the lead when full-back Adam Ashton broke through to score a try he also converted.

Hundred were aggressive in the tackle and full of good attacking play and just did not allow Chelmsford to settle into any form of rhythm and, although the home team clawed back three points with a penalty kick the boys in black dominated the early play.

Rochford more than held their own in the set scrum and were all action in the loose as they created a number of good chances to add further points but bad luck and some good Chelmsford defence stopped them adding to their score.

However, sustained pressure on the Chelmsford line was eventually rewarded by Brett Smith crashing over for his 16th try of the season which Ashton duly converted to increase Rochford’s lead to 14 -3.

But gradually the home outfit fought their way back into the game and a late try just before half time reduced the deficit to 14-8.

After the break and, with the all-important slope to play up and the sun in their faces, Rochford knew that their lead was fragile.

As expected, the league champions also increased the tempo of their game and quickly scored another try which was followed up with a penalty kick from their influential stand off to take the lead.

It was his contribution in the second half that was all important to his team and helped them score three more converted tried and two penalty kicks to come out on top.

Rochford will now be bidding to get back to winning ways when they take on Saffron Walden, who are just one place above them, in the final game of the season on Saturday.

Rochford Hundred: Mark,Hughes,Wiseman,Tape,Mott,Smith,Corbet,Spencer,Bracknell,Stewart,White, Tusini,Stemp,Edwards,Ashton Replacements: Bass,Horsburgh & Jack Baker