HARRY Hudson bagged a first half hat-trick as Rochford Hundred saw off local rivals Southend Saxons 44-0.

The Rochford skipper touched down a trio of times to maintain his side’s unbeaten start to the season.

And the victory also ensured Hundred ended 2018 having won all 23 of their league games during the last 12 months.

“The boys who have been there all year should be very proud, as should the staff because it’s not something that happens very often,” said Hudson, who joined Rochford in the summer.

“But looking forward, we want to get promoted, go undefeated and not drop a point. But first we will enjoy our Christmas break before getting back at it.”

Rochford signed off in style with a dominant display against their local rivals at Magnolia Road.

And Hudson was pleased to play his part in the victory by touching down three times in quick succession before the break.

“There is always going to be some spice in a local fixture,” said Hudson.

“Personally, I played terribly in the first game because of that.

“So this time around it was just another game and I think it benefitted us.”

But Hudson also felt the tough wet conditions played a part in the contest.

“I’m sure I am not the only one who thought the weather killed the second half but the first half was good,” said Hudson.

“We scored some nice tries and our defensive shape continues to improve so overall it was a pleasing game.”

Rochford have now won all 14 of their games so far this season and sit eight points clear at the top of the table as they continue to push for a second successive promotion.

Hundred started brightly at the weekend with Hudson touching down in both the ninth and 11th minute to establish an early lead.

Cameron Greenhall converted the second try before adding one of his own to make it 17-0 after just 16 minutes.

Rochford remained on top with winger William Ferrier sprinting through to score in the 23rd minute and, just four minutes later, Sam Fombo also touched down to make it 27-0.

Two minutes before the break Hudson completed his hat-trick to make it 34-0 at half-time.

The conditions worsened in the second half but Rochford were still able to extend their lead with a try from Adam Ferrier before his brother William completed the scoring with another try.

Southend remain ninth in the London One North standings but skipper Ian Morrison was keen to remain upbeat.

“It was a great day for local rugby to have so many supporters come and watch a hard-fought game in freezing conditions,” said Morrison.

“Rochford were extremely good while we showed excellent defence for periods and fronted up well, conceding only two tries in the second half.

“Arguably, for our efforts, we should have broken their line.

“But if we perform like that against other teams in the league I think most would find us hard to handle.”