6:40pm Tuesday 9th March 2010
Rochford Hundred produced an improved performance but were still seen off 44-16 by table-topping Staines.
The Middlesex side came out all guns blazing and sped ahead with two quick tries, one of which was converted before Rochford could draw breath.
Their massive pack controlled the ball but gradually the home side picked themselves up.
The set scrum proved to be much more stable than it was feared it might have been and praise must go to experienced prop Andy Badger who stepped in at such short notice to help out.
The line-out also showed up well too, but Staines continued to show why they are in top position with excellent attacks.
They finished the first half with two more tries and a penalty.
But Rochford’s improved play during the latter period of the half forced Staines into giving away penalties and Ashton slotted one over before the break.
Both wings — Jack Hall and Greg Stubbs — looked full of running and gave Staines plenty to think about in defence but Staines still led 27-6 at half-time.
Rochford needed to dig deep to keep this side at bay. That is what they did as they started to take the game to the visitors.
The second half was therefore far more even and Rochford had their chances to pull back points through some sustained pressure on the Staines line but were unable to get the breaks at crucial times.
The sign of good, confident sides is their ability to finish off moves which was what the visitors did. Two more tries, one of which was converted followed before Ashton once again punished them for an indiscretion with another well stuck penalty.
A final try finished off Staines’ scoring but Rochford were not finished as they increased the tempo and a fast flowing move through many hands found second row James Needham out wide who made no mistake to speed over for a fine try.
Ashton slotted over the conversion to complete a 100 per cent kicking performance to make the final score more reflective of the game and with a little bit more finishing power and confidence could have been even closer.
“It was an excellent performances and, although we cannot complain about the seven tries to one score line, it again highlights the ability of the teams in this league to put away chances,” said a Rochford club spokesman.
“They take opportunities when they come and Rochford must learn from that. But with the ever growing confidence in their ability this surely must come.”
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