ROCHFORD Hundred head coach Danny Cleare was left with mixed emotions following his side’s narrow 20-19 defeat against Leicester Lions.

Cleare was encouraged by aspects of Hundred’s performance at Magnolia Road.

But he was also disappointed to be beaten.

“Saturday was both encouraging and frustrating,” said Cleare.

Against very good opposition we actually controlled the game completely and looked comfortable for large periods.

“It was one of our more assured performances this season. For the first 60 minutes our set piece was strong, our backs looked dangerous, we played in the right areas and our defence was yet again outstanding.

“But unfortunately we missed a few kicks at goal, which happens, and got a couple of silly yellows which is costing us too often.

“We ended up losing a game we really shouldn’t have done.”

Leicester opened the scoring with a penalty before Hundred hit back with a try from Sonny Gay which was converted by Sam Cappaert.

The visitors soon replied with a try of their own before Rochford regained the lead with a try from George Griffiths which made it 12-10 to the hosts at half-time.

After the break, Sam Fombo extended Rochford’s lead with another try but Lions roared back in the final quarter.

The visitors got back in the game with a try before touching down again late on to secure victory.

Rochford remain 13th in the standings.

Rochford Hundred: Elliot, Billings, Brambley, Gay, Griffiths, Cappaert, Gould, Brunger, Dyer, Bailey, Fombo, Newberry, Randell, Kellard, Narogi.

Replacements: Ridgway, Gardener, Brackett, Spivey & McDonald