ROCHFORD Hundred’s Todd Bailey was left feeling frustrated after his side were beaten in their first ever National Two South fixture at Magnolia Road.

Rochford lost 42-24 against Guernsey and, despite enjoying being back in familiar territory, Bailey was disappointed by the defeat. “It was nice to be back playing in front of a home crowd but ultimately it was very frustrating,” said Bailey.

“We made too many unforced errors and allowed them to get round us out wide.”

The defeat was Rochford’s second in succession and Bailey is expecting a number of tough tests this season.

“I didn’t play last week and Guernsey were in our league last season so I haven’t yet noticed a step up but I expect every week to be like a top of the table clash in the league below,” said Bailey.

“But I hope this season we can give a good account of ourselves.

“I’m not going to say anything ridiculous like we are there to push for the top because quite frankly that is just unrealistic.

“I just want to enjoy being back playing rugby with my mates.”

Guernsey opened the scoring with try an unconverted try after just five minutes before Rochford hooker Rob Gardner hit back with a try of his own to level the scores.

Guernsey replied with a try of their own before scoring again just before the break to lead 17-5 at half-time.

The visitors went further ahead with another try at the start of the second half before Rochford full-back Mark Billings finished off a good move.

Sam Cappaert added the conversion to cut Guernsey’s lead to 24-12 but the visitors soon moved further ahead with a penalty.

Rochford replied with a try from Lewis Brunger to bring the hosts to within eight points but hopes of a comeback were shortlived as Guernsey increased their tempo and soon scored two tries of their own.

Rochford hit back with a try from Chris Dudman before the visitors completed the scoring with a late drop goal.

Rochford Hundred: Billings, Dudman, Bramley, Needham, Griffiths, Cappaert, Gould, Brunger, Gardner, Bailey, Duaibe, Randall, Shields, Strachan, Hudson.

Replacements: Ridgway, Kellard, Rufai, Spivey & Ikhifa