ROCHFORD Hundred knocked Old Cooperians off the top of the London Two North East table with a shock 36-13 win at Magnolia Road.

Rochford had endured a surprisingly slow start to the season, losing six of their first eight games.

But they roared back to winning ways at the weekend, much to the delight of first team manager Graham Pratt.

“After all the hard work that the team have put in over previous weeks on and off the field and all those frustrating games, we turned in the performance that we knew the players had in them and were rewarded with the result it deserved,” said Pratt.

“Coach Michael Guess could not praise his side enough for their team effort, determination and skill in winning this important match.

“But it was not just the result which was impressive, it was the manner of the victory against the league leaders and this game laid down a marker that teams in this division will underestimate us at their peril.”

Back row Nik Grier opened the scoring for ninth placed Rochford with an early try which captained Matt Stewart converted.

Old Cooperians hit back with a penalty kick before Rochford extended their lead with another try from powerful flanker Andrew Bevan.

Moments later, centre Marcus Spremulli scored a third try after some skilful running and in the absence of the injured Stewart, Steven Jay - now playing at stand off - converted to take the score line to 19-3 at the turn around.

Old Cooperians upped their game at the start of the second half but Rochford stayed strong and extended their lead when Jay kicked a penalty.

Hundred then raced even further in front when winger Sam Edwards scored the try of the match as he jinked and powered his way through to bag Rochford’s fourth effort of the day which Jay converted to put the hosts 29-6 ahead.

Ever improving scrum-half Jack Doherty also dived over for a try which Jay converted to make sure of Rochford’s win despite Old Cooperians scoring a try of their own right at the death.

Rochford: Mark, Hughes, Wiseman, Whight, Bacon, Corbet, Grier, Bevan, Doherty, Stewart, Edwards, Spremulli, Deiu-De-Bellefontaine, Marshall, Billings.

Replacements: Guess, Jay & Baker