Rochford edge closer to Twickenham with cup win

Rochford dealt well with the difficult conditions to come out on top.

And Hundred’s Luke Court-Rhind was happy to extend his side’s unbeaten season.

“Saturday was a tough game with the elements and our opponents being a good outfit too but we stuck to our structure and backed ourselves to knuckle down to get the job done,” said Court-Rhind.

“It was hard fought with a lot of handling errors but with our solid scrum, good line outs and excellent backs we were able to have the upper hand.”

Rochford currently sit top of the London Two North East table but Court-Rhind is equally determined to secure success in the cup.

“This cup means so much to us as a team and as individuals,” said Court-Rhind.

“We all have the same goal of playing at Twickenham and we are going to do everything in our power to achieve it.

“To be just a few games away is unbelievable and for me personally it would be the highlight of my rugby career.

“It would be a story to take back to New Zealand with me.”

Rochford opened the scoring when a kick upfield was chased hard by a number of players before a fumble in defence allowed Sam Fombo to pounce on the ball for a fine try.

Moments later, the hosts extended their lead with a try from hooker Adam Ferrier before flanker Stuart Whatling also touched down.

Tom Ashton added the conversion before doing likewise after prop forward Lewis Brunger also bagged a try to make it 24-0 at half-time.

After the break, the conditions worsened and London Exiles began to fight back.

However, Rochford were able to extend their lead with Brunger scoring his second try of the afternoon before winger Mitchell Bennett outpaced the defence to score.

Both tries were converted by Ashton to complete the scoring.

Rochford Hundred: Billings, Stewart, Johnson, Ashton, Bennett, Needham, Gould, Brunger, Ferrier, Guess, Fombo, Court-Rhind, Whatling, Sowter, Kellard.

Replacements: Wiseman, Corbet & Edwards