ROCHFORD Hundred made it back-to-back wins with a 35-18 victory against Romford & Gidea Park at Magnolia Road on Saturday.

The triumph moved Rochford up to fifth in the London Two North East table.

And it also delighted Hundred’s director of rugby Michael Guess.

“I was really pleased with the performance and the work-rate of the players,” said Guess, who took control of the club in the summer.

“It’s two on the bounce for us now and I do really feel as the victory we had against Campion in the previous game was a real turning point in our season.

“We want to keep it going now and make sure we’re as high up the table as possible.

“Every coach in every league should be aiming for promotion and we’re no different.

“But we’re not looking too far ahead and we will see where we’re at Christmas before pushing on after that.”

In the meantime, Guess will be looking to continue the good run of results.

And he is already relishing his new role.

Echo:

Starting an attack - Rochford's Ricki Gould in action during the win against Romford & Gidea Park

“I’m learning all the time but I’m definitely enjoying it,” said Guess, a former Southend prop forward.

“I’m lucky to have such a good group to work with and they’re taking my ideas on board.”

Rochford raced in front at the weekend with a try from acting captain Tom Corbet which was converted by Simon Ashton.

Romford replied with a penalty kick before they also scored a break-away try which was converted to put them 10-7 in front.

But the home-side immediately hit back with Ashton gliding through to score a try he also converted to put Rochford 14-10 in front at half-time.

After the break, Hundred extended their lead with another try from Corbet before Romford successfully kicked a penalty to cut Rochford’s lead to 21-13.

But the hosts soon stepped up a gear with number eight Scott Horsburgh touching down after the pack had driven forward and Ashton added the conversion.

Rochford winger Jon Baker then also touched down with Ashton continuing his excellent display by again kicking the conversion.

The effort also sealed a hard fought win for Rochford, despite Romford scoring a consolation try in the dying minutes.

Rochford Hundred: Mark, Corbet, Chivers, Mott, Wheeler, Whight, Knowles, Horsburgh, Gould, Ashton, Jack Baker, Smith, Prior,Jon Baker, Fitzpatrick. Replacements: Bass, Warner, Doherty.

l BASILDON’S miserable start to the season continued with a 44-10 defeat at table-topping Norwich.

Basildon have now lost all four of their matches this season and sit bottom of the standings without a point to their name.

South Woodham Ferrers were also beaten at the weekend, losing 29-15 at home to Diss. Woodham are eighth in the table.