ROCHFORD Hundred stayed top of the London Three North East table with a convincing 26-8 win over Chelmsford on Saturday.

Within five minutes of the start, centre Tom Ashton once again displayed his skills to glide through the opposition defence to score a fine try.

But Chelmsford, themselves previous leaders of the leagye, quickly replied after applying some forward pressure to even the score with a try by Mike Stallwood.

However, flanker Andy Baker pulled Rochford ahead when he finished off a skilful move which Ashton converted.

Chelmsford kept the pressure up with some good, running rugby but were unable to finish off, either by poor handling or robust Rochford defence.

They did however manage to pull three points back with a penalty from Dan Traylor just before half time to bring the score to 12 – 8 to the home side.

The second period was a different story as Rochford gradually started to control more aspects of the game and Chelmsford cause was not helped by two yellow cards at crucial times in the half.

Big flanker Alan Barker who had had a storming game was rewarded for his work when he powered over for a try before retiring injured. Ashton converted the try to take the home side further away from a tiring Chelmsford.

Matt Norris in his usual fashion then drove over for a well deserved try.

And to cap another fine performance Ashton converted to keep him on top of the league’s point scorers list.

Rochford are now two points clear of second placed Brentwood who beat Thurrock 15-3 at the weekend.

That defeat sent T’s down to fifth in the table but four points now seperates the top six teams.