ROCHFORD Hundred’s head coach Danny Cleare took heart from his side’s opening day defeat at Esher.

Rochford were beaten 38-14 in their first ever fixture in National Two South.

But Cleare felt there was plenty to feel positive about.

“Saturday was a good run out against strong opposition,” said Cleare.

“In all honesty we went toe to toe with them for the majority of the game.

“We were probably the architects of our own downfall with many of their points coming from our own errors or a bit of bad luck as well.

“But despite being disappointed with the result we actually took plenty away from the game.

“It highlighted areas we need to be better at in order to compete in this league and it also gave us that realisation that we belong at this level and can mix it with the best if we just improve certain aspects of our game.”

Chris Shields and Mark Billings both scored tries for Rochford which were converted by Sam Cappaert.

Rochford Hundred: Elliott, Billings, Griffiths, Needham, Brambley, Cappaert, Spivey, Brunger, Gardner, Bevans-Royston, Shields, Fombo, Kellard, Strachan, Hudson.

Replacements: Ridgeway, Dyer, Newberry, Gould & Dudman