ROCHFORD Hundred triumphed in their final home game of the season on Saturday - beating Norwich 31-18 at Magnolia Road.

The victory saw eighth placed Hundred move level on points with the Norfolk side in the London Two North East standings.

And Rochford’s first team manager Graham Pratt was delighted with the victory.

“It was a very good way to finish the home campaign,” said Pratt.

“It was good to get the win but we still have two more hard away games to come as we play Epping and Diss.

“We will need to continue to play with this gusto and determination if we are to finish the season on a high but we’re well capable of doing it.

“But we will need to have the confidence and mindset to make it happen.”

Rochford began brightly at the weekend and, after a couple of near misses, Matt Bevan drove over to open the scoring.

Norwich replied with a penalty kick before Hundred’s captain Matt Stewart finished off a slick move to score a try he also converted to make it 12-3.

As the first half progressed, Rochford’s speed and general ball play created many chances. One of which saw Matthew White touch down after impressive approach play from Mark Billings.

However, the Norfolk side soon responded with a good try of their own, from their number eight and the visitors went over again just before the break to cut Rochford’s lead to 17-13 at half-time.

But, after the break, Rochford got back on top and flanker David Rufai - a new addition to the team - was rewarded for an excellent performance when he scored a well-taken try to secure a bonus point for the home-side.

Stewart again added the extras and then did likewise following another try from Billing, who showed quick feet to dart through.

The full-back’s second try of the afternoon made it 31-13 but there was still time for Norwich to score an unconverted try in the closing stages.

Rochford have now won three of their last four and are just five points behind fifth placed Epping Upper Clapton, who they travel to this weekend.

Rochford Hundred: Bevan. Grier, Wiseman, Harbrow, Whight, Rufai, Corbet, Warner, Doherty, Jay, Marshall, Stewart, Edwards, White, Billings Replacements: Levy, Stephenson & Pickering