ROCHFORD Hundred started their Regional Two Anglia campaign with a 45-14 defeat to Chelmsford at Magnolia Road.

Hundred are keen to give a number of their young players more opportunities to impress this season.

But head coach Danny Cleare knows it will take time for the new-look team to gel.

“Unfortunately we came up against a very good Chelmsford side who you could tell have been playing together for a while and were well organised,” said Cleare.

“For us you could tell this is a whole new group of players playing together for the first time.

“We had 10 debuts in the side and, although it is disappointing to lose, we were also encouraged with certain aspects.

“It will naturally take us a few more games before we gel and start firing but there were some positive signs in attack.

“It was really positive to have three or four teenagers making their senior debuts after coming through the academy.

“There was such a great atmosphere down the club too with three teams playing with big support.”