ROCHFORD Hundred triumphed 38-19 at HAC - despite having to play an hour of the game with just 14 men.

The London One North leaders had Jody Allen sent off after just 21 minutes.

But Rochford were still able to maintain their unbeaten record, much to the delight of skipper Harry Hudson, who played a key part in the victory, scoring his fourth hat-trick in six games.

“It was a tough test because they haven’t lost at home and are a good team,” said Hudson.

“Playing 60 minutes with 14 men wasn’t ideal for us, but credit to the boys who all put a shift in, especially (Chris) Shields and (Sam) Fombo.

“It was pleasing because we were up against it for some time, which hasn’t happened that often.

“But we came through it and ended up with a good win.”

Rochford, who remain eight points clear at the top of the table, went behind early on when their hosts kicked a penalty to establish a 3-0 lead.

Moments later, HAC - who are fifth in the standings - added another successful kick to lead 6-0 before Rochford began to get going.

With 12 minutes on the clock, Iain Meads bagged Hundred’s first try of the game and Cameron Greenhall’s subsequent conversion put the visitors 7-6 in front.

Six minutes later, captain Hudson bagged his first of the afternoon and Greenhall was again on hand to add the conversion.

However, with Rochford now leading 14-6 and starting to look in complete control, they were reduced to 14 men when Allen was shown a straight red card.

HAC immediately replied with a penalty to cut Rochford’s lead to just five points before the visitors hit back with a try from Fombo.

But HAC kicked another penalty on the stroke of half-time to cut Rochford’s lead to 19-12 at the break.

Immediately after the break, HAC levelled the scores with a converted try and, with an extra man, attempted to pile on the pressure.

However, Rochford dug deep and regained the lead when Hudson bagged his second try of the afternoon in the 54th minute.

Greenhall again added the conversion before the impressive Hudson completed his hat-trick on the hour mark.

Greenhall’s conversion put Rochford 33-19 ahead before Mark Billings sealed the win with a try.

Rochford have now won all 15 of their games this season and host Fullerians this weekend.