ROCHFORD Hundred celebrated being crowned London One North champions with a 36-28 win against Old Haberdashers.

The victory made it 25 victories in succession for the unbeaten league leaders.

And prop forward Craig Strachan, who was among Rochford’s try scorers in their latest win, is proud to have Hundred secure back-to-back titles.

“Winning a league is very hard so to win two in a row is something very few people will ever experience,” said Strachan.

“It’s taken a lot of effort too.

“People see the results on a Saturday but don’t see the work we have put in Tuesday and Thursday all year to make them happen.”

Rochford won London Two North East without losing a single game last season and have now won 47 league games in succession.

The latest of those came against Old Haberdashers at the weekend.

But Strachan felt Rochford triumphed without really being at their best.

“The game on Saturday was a bit hit and miss,” said Strachan.

“Old Haberdashers had a very good first 20 minutes so we had to regroup.

“But we got there in the end and put some good phases together.”

Rochford will now be looking to end the season unbeaten with another win at sixth-placed Amersham & Chiltern this weekend.

But after that Rochford will be setting their sights on the London & SE Premier Division.

And Strachan believes there will be a step up in class.

“I think next year will be completely different,” said Strachan.

“We will have to be at our best every week due to the competitive nature of the league.

“Hard fought victories are always more enjoyable than runaway victories so the extra hard work we will put in will be worth it.”

Rochford started brightly on Saturday with Cameron Greenhall opening the scoring with a try but the visitors soon hit back and stunned their hosts with a spell of pressure.

Three tries in succession saw Haberdashers leading 21-5 after just 21 minutes and, eight minutes later, Hundred suffered a further blow when the experienced Alan Barker was sent to the sin bin.

But, despite the numerical disadvantage, Rochford soon replied with Stuart Whatling touching down for a try Greenhall was able to convert.

And, just three minutes later, Rochford were at it again as Strachan scored a try Greenhall was again able to convert to cut Haberdashers’ lead to 21-19 at the break.

Rochford finally regained the lead in the 58th minute, with Sonny Gay touching down and the hosts extended their advantage even further when Adam Ferrier bagged a try Greenhall was able to convert.

Rochford remained on top and a try from Mark Ikhifa put them 36-21 in front with just nine minutes to go.

However, Old Haberdashers - who are fourth in the table - did not give up the fight and soon responded with a try of their own.

But Rochford saw out the closing stages to record yet another win before being presented with the league winning plaque.