Rochford Hundred ready for derby clash with Westcliff

The two teams are in the same league for the first time in 11 years this season.

And Rochford’s Harry Hudson cannot wait for the clash which is expected to attract a large crowd.

“Saturday will be a big day for both clubs,” said Hudson.

“Westcliff is my youth club so hopefully I’ll get to see some familiar faces that helped play a part in my career and we can have a laugh then some drinks afterwards too.”

However, the match will certainly be taken seriously and Hudson believes both teams will be desperate to win.

“There’s a rivalry because it’s the local team,” said Hudson.

“Ten years ago it was probably more of a rivalry when both clubs were playing in the depths of Essex rugby.

“Who would have thought that Rochford and Westcliff would be the premier teams in Essex that long ago? Not many.

“Westcliff have been the number one team in Essex for the last couple of years and we will look to take that away from them.

“However, I’m sure the old boys of both teams will bring gum shields down just in case someone pulls out of the game in the warm up!”

Both sides have found it tough going this season, with Westcliff bottom of the table without a win to their name.

Rochford sit third from bottom having suffered seven defeats in succession.

And Hudson has been disappointed by recent results during Hundred’s first ever campaign at this level.

“It’s been a frustrating season to be honest,” said Hudson, “It’s taking our time to find our feet.

“It looks like we’re getting there some weeks then others it’s back to square one.

“It’s not that the teams are much better than us in terms of where their ceiling is at but our basement is well below theirs.

“Teams like Redruth, Esher and Clifton just don’t make mistakes but we make quite a few at the moment and it’s costs points every time.”

Westcliff head into this weekend’s clash sitting bottom of the table having been beaten in all 14 of their outings so far this season.