DAN Needham came back with a bang as Rochford Hundred saw off Basildon 38-3 to make it six London Two North East victories in a row.

The 26-year-old full-back, who has been out of action for close to 12 months, was among the try scorers as fourth placed Hundred continued their run of good results.

And Needham was delighted by his successful return to the starting line-up.

“It was great to be back out there,” said Needham.

“I've not been able to play for the last six months to a year due to injuries and work commitments.

“But I've been playing more regularly for the second team just recently and it was good to get back to a higher level.

“It was great to get on the score-sheet and to be out there with the rest of the lads again.”

Rochford’s triumph moved them to within eight points of third placed Diss.

And Needham is keen to keep the good run going.

“We may be a bit far off this year but we can certainly have a good end to this year and if needed push on next season again,” said Needham.

“Personally I want to be playing more and getting down to training a bit more often.”

Rochford went in front with a try from Scott Wheeler after just 15 minutes before scrum-half Ricki Gould also touched down.

Matt Stewart’s conversion made it 12-0 before Matt White collected a good pass from Stewart to score his side’s third try of the afternoon.

Needham then also glided through to score and Stewart’s conversion put the hosts 24-o in front at half-time.

Stewart bagged the first try of the second period before bottom of the table Basildon hit back with a penalty.

But Rochford replied with the game’s final try scored by White and converted by Stewart.

However, first team manager Graham Pratt revealed the players were not completely satisfied with the performance.

“It is a mark of where the team are now in their attitude that although it was a pleasing win over local rivals they knew that they could and perhaps should have scored more points,” said Pratt.

“On occasions they also know they let themselves down with some unnecessary indiscipline but these are things that can be addressed on the training evenings.

“But in the meantime we can all share in the pleasure winning brings and continue to push our way up the table.”

In stark contrast, Basildon remain rooted to the bottom of the table and have now lost all 15 of their matches this season.

Rochford Hundred: Mark,Chivers,Wiseman,Tape,Wheeler,Bacon,Corbet,Whight, Gould,Stewart,White,Smith,Stemp,Marshall,Needham

Replacements: Bass,Horsburgh & Fitzpatrick