ROCHFORD Hundred’s poor start to the season continued with a third successive defeat, losing 44-22 to Ipswich at Magnolia Road.

Matt Bevan bagged a fine hat-trick for second-from-bottom Hundred.

But it was not enough to stop Rochford suffering another setback, which left first team manager Graham Pratt in a reflective mood at the final whistle.

“Although we were well beaten by a big, powerful Ipswich team we could hold our heads up at the end knowing that we have the ability to put points on the board,” said Pratt.

“But we need to work very hard on our organisation and defence if we want to progress in this league.

“There were some good performances from a number of players but the team needs to build up their confidence levels by putting a few wins on the board.

“However, with so many first team players unavailable through injury or for other reasons it is difficult to get cohesion at present.

“But the players that turned out on Saturday played their hearts out and through shear persistence managed to obtain a try bonus point against strong opposition.”

Ipswich came out all guns blazing and scored a try within the first few minutes through their powerful and speedy backs, who then also helped the visitors race into a 19-0 lead.

Rochford hit back with a try from Simon Ashton but another effort from Ipswich put them 24-5 in front at the break.

Three further tries from the visitors killed the match as a contest in the second half, while Hundred were also reduced to 14 men when Tom Corbet was red-carded.

However, the impressive Bevan soon scored two tries in quick succession for Rochford against their Suffolk visitors.

And with only a few precious minutes left to go for one more try to acquire that important try bonus point, Rochford rallied and forced the play.

A melee of bodies near the Ipswich try line finally saw Bevan ground the ball for his team to collect a consolation bonus point and his hat-trick.

Captain Matthew Stewart added the conversion to ensure the game did at least end on a high.

Rochford: Mark, Grier, Wiseman, Horsburgh, Harbrow, A Baker, Corbet, Knowles, Doherty, Stewart, Edwards, Ashton, Pickering, J Baker, Billings. Replacements: Bevan, Turner & Fitzpatrick.