Rochford Hundred got the result and bonus point they needed by winning 33-29 at Hammersmith & Fulham.

But they were made to work very hard for the vital victory.

Rochford were not at their best but were still able to see off their relegation rivals.

However, Hammersmith were initially on top and raced in to a 14-0 lead with two converted tries.

Rochford hit back with a penalty from Kit Branch and two unconverted tries from Sam Barnes before Hammersmith added a penalty to put them 17-13 ahead at half-time.

The second half saw Hammersmith have most of the possession and they soon extended their lead with another try.

However, Branch replied with two excellent penalty kicks for Rochford who now trailed by just three points at 22-19.

And they went in front for the first time when centre Robert Prior burst through to score and Branch added the extras.

The lead was short-lived though as Hammersmith replied with a try of their own to make it 29-26.

But the topsy turvy nature of the game continued when second row Jack Pearce crashed over to grab a late winning try which Branch converted.

Rochford then had to dig deep in the final few minutes to make sure of their victory and that delighted first team manager Graham Pratt.

“This was not a classic win but we worked hard for the result,” said Pratt.

“Perhaps we were a little lucky in coming away with the win but sometimes luck plays an important part in a game and is never refused when it comes along.”

The victory keeps Rochford above the relegation zone and seven points clear of Hammersmith.