ROCHFORD Hundred slipped to a fifth defeat in six games on Saturday, losing 31-19 at Woodford.

Rochford – who are 10th in the 12 team table – found themselves 31-0 down before scoring 19 points in the last 10 minutes.

But Hundred’s first team manager Graham Pratt felt some inconsistent refereeing decisions did not help his side’s cause at the weekend.

“This was a strange game marred from our point of view by some inconsistent refereeing from a young, inexperienced referee who was officiating in his first senior match,” said Pratt.

“Unfortunately the circumstances affected us more than Woodford as most decisions seemed to go against us.

“But, having said that good sides have to overcome these obstacles and knuckle down and get on with it which we did not do for the majority of the game.

“Ironically when the match was beyond us at 31-0 with 10 minutes to go the team showed what they are capable of and scored 19 points in a frantic late spell.”

Rochford conceded two converted tries and two penalties to trail 20-0 at half-time.

And Woodford - who are now eighth in the table - raced further ahead at the start of the second half.

The hosts soon established a 31-0 lead before Rochford began to hit back late on.

Nik Grier and Marcus Spremulli both scored tries after some very determined attacks before fiery flanker Scott Turner was also rewarded with an excellent try.

But the late flurry also added to Pratt’s frustration.

“It was all a little too late at the end and we were left to wonder what the result would have been if that determination and commitment could have been spread over the previous seventy minutes,” said Pratt.

“Next up is Romford at home for us and it’s another must win match.

“Nothing is easy this season but anything worth having is never easy.

“It has to be worked for.”

Romford are currently seventh in the table with three wins from six games so far this season.

Rochford Hundred: Mark, Corbet, Wiseman, Wheeler, Horsburgh, Grier, Turner, Whight, Doherty, Fitzpatrick, Edwards, Deui-de-Bellefontaine, Stewart, Pickering, Billings.

Replacements: Guess, Baker & Spremulli.