TOM Ashton is relishing his rugby career having gone full circle at Rochford Hundred.

The experienced fly-half - who will face Ipswich tomorrow - returned to Magnolia Road in the summer after a spell with Southend Saxons.

And Ashton is thrilled to be playing a key part in Hundred’s unbeaten start to the season.

“Rochford is where I started playing rugby 30 years ago so I’m loving being able to finish my playing days here,” said Ashton.

“The season has been going really well.

“We have set some targets and I’m sure if we focus on how we can play we should meet or exceed all of them.”

Ashton was one of many new arrivals at Rochford in the summer and Chris Green’s side have enjoyed a fantastic season so far.

Hundred have won all 12 of their league games this term and are currently five points clear at the top of the London Two North East table.

And, despite the good run, Ashton believes Rochford will have benefited from having a Christmas break.

“I think the break was well received by the squad,” said Ashton.

“It was a chance to recharge and set ourselves up for another push, which we’re excited about.”

Rochford will now be confident of keeping their unbeaten run going with a win against seventh placed Ipswich at Magnolia Road tomorrow.

But Ashton insists Hundred will not be taking anything for granted.

“Ipswich will be a physical side and knowing the coach they have they will have plotted to try and counter the way we play,” said Ashton.

“But we have lots of weapons at our disposal and can change our style if needed.

“Everyone is looking forward to getting out on the pitch though and performing on our own turf.”

And Ashton is particularly pleased to be playing after missing five weeks of the season with a hamstring problem.

“I am loving being back involved with the lads,” said Ashton.

“I was out for about five weeks with a torn hamstring and I’ve only recently recovered from it so it’s great to be playing again.”

>SOUTH Woodham Ferrers will be looking to end a run of nine successive defeats when they head to Old Haberdashers in London One North tomorrow.

Woodham are currently bottom of the table and will be keen to secure an upturn in fortunes during 2018.

In London One South, 10th placed Thurrock face a tough trip to table-topping Medway.