ROCHFORD Hundred survived their first scare of the season to win 26-15 at Norwich.

The victory was the 11th in succession for the unbeaten London Two North East league leaders.

And Hundred’s first team manager Graham Pratt was happy to see the side fight back from 10-5 down at half-time to come out on top.

“Make no mistake this was our hardest game this campaign and the team had to dig into reserves to keep Norwich at bay,” said Pratt.

“Director of rugby Chris Green and head coach Michael Guess were both pleased by the way the boys responded in the second half to force the victory.

“And all the players agreed that, although they did not reach the heights of previous games, this was a match that they needed to have and to test themselves.

“Knowing that they were under pressure, especially in the first half, and not playing at their best they showed the character to regroup and force a bonus point win against a strong and determined side.

“That must be pleasing to know and will drive them on into the second half of the season.”

Rochford - who remain five points clear of second placed Wanstead - started Saturday’s clash with a number of handling errors and their period of poor play resulted in Norwich taking an early 7-0 lead.

However, Hundred eventually fought back with winger Mitch Bennett speeding through to score.

Norwich replied with a penalty to lead 10-5 at the break but Rochford began to get on top in the second half with flanker Stuart Whatling bagging a try Matt Stewart was able to convert.

Moments later, impressive second row Luke Court-Rhind was also able to stride through to score and Stewart’s subsequent conversion put Rochford 19-10 in front.

With Hundred remaining on top, Ben Johnson teed up winger Sam Edwards to score and Stewart added a terrific conversion from the touch--line.

But Norwich continued to dig in and launched a late rally which resulted in them scoring the final try of the game.

Rochford head to Chelmsford this weekend.

Rochford Hundred: Billings, Edwards, Stewart, Ashton, Bennett, Needham Gould, Strachan, Wiseman, Guess, Court-Rhind, Fombo, Rufai, Whatling, Kellard Replacements: Levy, Sowter & Johnson