Rochford make it 18 league wins in a row

The triumph saw Rochford move past the 1,000 point barrier for the season. And skipper Matt Stewart, who bagged two tries in the victory, was delighted to have secured another victory.

“Old Coops were definitely a stronger outfit than when we previously played them,” said Stewart.

“A lot of the credit has to go to their coaching staff, especially Nik Grier, who has obviously worked tirelessly to improve their league position.

“For me, personally, it’s always nice to get on the scoresheet and playing outside a lot of quality backs they make it incredibly easy for an old fat bloke to touch the ball down!”

Stewart’s brace ensured Rochford stayed 12 points clear at the top of the table.

And Stewart - who has been at Magnolia Road for the past 23 years - is relishing his role in the club’s best season since his arrival.

“It’s been the best season I have ever been involved in at the club,” said Stewart.

“A lot of individuals have worked extremely hard in the background to allow us as a club to build and develop a decent standard of rugby.”

However, Stewart is also already looking ahead to next season.

“I, personally, am extremely excited for next year,” said Stewart.

“The club have made it quite clear that we want to propel forward again and really develop another step further.

“What more could you want from a club that sets high standards and wants to achieve great things.”

Sam Fombo also bagged a brace of tries for Rochford at the weekend, while winger Mitchell Bennett, top try scorer Mark Billings and replacement Dan Allison also touched down as Hundred stayed 12 points clear of second-placed Sudbury with just four games to go.

However, Rochford’s latest win was marred by a foot injury to Tom Ashton and a cut head suffered by Matthew Needham.

Rochford Hundred: Billings, Stewart, Johnson, Ashton, Bennett, Needham, Gould, Brunger, Ferrier, Guess, Court-Rhind, Hurley, Whatling, Corbet, Fombo Replacements: Allison,Cleare & Edwards