ROCHFORD Hundred backs coach Chris Garstin was quick to praise the club’s young players after a hard-fought 27-19 win at Woodford.

The victory extended Rochford Hundred’s 100 per cent record and sent them 12 points clear at the top of the London Two North East table.

And Garstin was pleased with how Rochford fought back to come out on top.

“We’ve got a few injuries at the moment so we had five 18-year-olds playing, but they played well to get the win,” said Garstin.

“We had a few boys stepping up from the seconds but they didn’t panic when we were behind.

“It was only the second time this season we have been losing at half-time, but they trusted the coaches and came back well.

“Woodford is a hard place to go and they have a big pack who bullied us at times.

“But we came back into it well and in the end I think we should have won by more.

“We wasted a few opportunities, which isn’t like us and I think the final scoreline probably flattered Woodford a little bit in the end.”

Woodford went in front with an early try at the weekend before Rochford hit back with a try of their own from second row Luke Court-Rhind.

Moments later, Stuart Whatling charged through to put Rochford in front with a try, which was converted by Marcus Spremulli.

However, Woodford soon replied with another try of their own to lead 19-12 at half-time.

After the break, Rochford levelled the scores with a try from Adam Ferrier, who powered through to touch down.

Spremulli added the conversion before Hundred regained the lead when winger Mitch Bennett ran in for a try, which Spremulli - a late replacement for captain Matt Stewart in the starting line-up - was again able to convert.

Woodford attempted to fight back once more before Rochford made sure of their 16th successive league win with a penalty from Spremulli.

Rochford Hundred: Billings, Bennett, Pickering, Spremulli, Edwards, Needham, Gould, Ridgeway, Corbet, Brunger, Court-Rhind, Sowter, Allison, Rufai, Whafling Replacements: Levy, Ferrier & Garstin