ROCHFORD Hundred are celebrating being crowned London & SE Premier Division champions.

The title is Rochford’s third in succession.

And Hundred’s director of rugby Chris Green was thrilled to hear the news after initially fearing the season could have been wiped out due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We got an email so it wasn’t the normal way you would get promotion but it was still a nice feeling and we’re delighted,” said Green.

“With everything that’s going on at the moment and with the season being halted because of coronavirus we weren’t sure what was going to happen and if the season was even going to finish.

“But so much hard work has gone into the season and we’ve only lost two games so we definitely deserve the promotion.”

Rochford had been level on points with table-topping Guernsey with just four games to go when the season came to a halt.

But the RFU calculated the remainder of the campaign on a ‘best playing record formula’.

And that means Rochford will now be playing in National Two South next term.

“Our long term goal was always to get into the National Leagues but we’ve probably got there quicker than we thought,” said Green.

“It’s a great achievement and we look forward to celebrating it whenever we can next get together.

“There’s been no room for breathing space really and credit must go to both Wimbledon and Guernsey who have been relentless.

“But we’ll enjoy this and then start looking ahead to next season.

“We have to look at sustaining ourselves as a National League side.”

But Green is expecting it to be a tough league to play in, alongside near neighbours Westcliff.

“To have two sides about a mile apart in the National League is a big ask,” said Green.

“We’re both in the fourth tier of English rugby now but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”