NIK Grier was left ruing a slow start to the second half after Rochford Hundred’s 44-34 defeat at Old Cooperians.

Grier bagged two tries in the London Two North East clash.

But his efforts went unrewarded as Old Cooperians came out on top to leave Grier disappointed.

“In the first half we performed to our strengths and at half time we spoke about what we needed to do to continue our good start to the game,” said Grier.

“But unfortunately we didn’t come out and do that and we gifted them three easy tries in the first ten minutes of the second half.

“After that we were always chasing the game and it was very frustrating because we would have gone above Old Cooperians in the table if we had won and it was also frustrating because of how we turned them over at our place earlier on in the season.”

The defeat was Rochford’s second in three games and kept them eighth in the table.

However, Grier - who arrived at Magnolia Road from Southend in the summer - insists he has enjoyed his first campaign with Rochford and has predicted a bright future for the club.

“I’ve very much enjoyed my first season playing for Rochford,” said Grier.

“Under Michael Guess they will continue to make improvements and go somewhere.

“But we’ve got three league games left this season and the Essex Cup final against Romford as well.

“We are obviously targeting to win all four matches so we can finish as high up the league table as possible and win the cup final as well.”

However, for that to happen, Rochford will need to bounce back from Saturday’s setback at Old Cooperians.

Despite the final scoreline, Rochford were up 24-16 at half time but Old Cooperians came back in the second half with four tries and two penalties to secure victory.

Grier and Matthew White both scored two tries while Greg Whight added three conversions.

Captain Matt Stewart also kicked a penalty but Hundred were unable to build on the win against bottom of the table Campion and were left feeling frustrated at the final whistle.

The defeat means Rochford are now eight points behind fifth placed Old Cooperians and will now be keen to bounce back at home to Norwich a week on Saturday.