ROCHFORD Hundred suffered their fourth defeat in six games, losing 37-7 at Holt.

The game was far closer than the final score-line suggested as Rochford battled with a squad of just 15.

And their first team manager Graham Pratt felt the players should remain proud of their efforts.

“The team were always going to be up against it as the odds were stacked against them but their tireless, heroic, efforts deserved a lot more,” said Pratt.

“Every player gave their all and walked off the pitch with their heads held high but, they should not have had to be put in this situation in the first place.”

Rochford had six front row forwards making up their numbers and had to play two flankers on the wing and one at centre.

Holt quickly exploited the lack of pace on the flanks and used long, racking kicks to set up their lively forwards to break through and score three quick tries and a penalty to go 18-0 up before the visitors were able to start adjusting to the situation and play with any cohesion.

Towards the latter part of the half, Rochford began to take the game to Holt and put in some good, strong driving play but were unable to get on the score sheet.

Another converted try before half time put the home side 25-0 up at the break before they also increased their lead with a converted try at the start of the second period.

But Rochford, against all odds, then started taking the game to their opponents and for the majority of the second half had most of the play and territory.

That pressure resulted in a try for the excellent Michael Mark which was converted by Brett Smith.

Rochford remained on top but were unable to make any further breakthroughs.

Hundred were also forced to finish the match with just 13 men as Sam Tape and Scott Chivers both went off injured and that led to Holt completing the scoring with another try.

Despite the defeat, Rochford remain sixth in the standings, two places higher than Holt.

Rochford Hundred: Bass, Hughes, Clarke, Wiseman, Mark, Chivers, Tape, Murphy, Smith, S Ashton, Knowles, Stemp, Corbet,Warner, White.