ROCHFORD Hundred continued their promotion charge with a 42-11 win over Saffron Walden on Saturday.

The story of the first half, after the shock of conceding two quick penalties from the strong-kicking Saffron Walden full back, was of Rochford’s domination of territory and ball without scoring more than eight points.

These came from a good try by full back Sam Barnes entering the line to finish off some well supported ball play and a penalty from Tom Ashton to sneak the home side back in front 8-6 at the break.

The second half started with Saffron going ahead again with an unconverted try, but wing Matt Barber sped over to edge Rochford in front once more.

The turning point came when centre Darren Spencer took the ball deep in his own half and set about the opposition as he powered, feinted and outpaced everyone to dive over in the corner. Perhaps the try of the season.

Spencer then did it again but from a shorter distance and charged over for another fine try taking the defence with him.

The two tries seemed to knock the stuffing out of the visitors and the floodgates opened with further tries from Andy Baker and one from George Chipper, which was converted by Ashton.

The icing on the cake was a penalty try awarded late in the match which Ashton duly converted from under the posts.

Coach Dean Cutting praised very good performances from a number of players but also the excellent team effort from a side that have been playing together now for the majority of the season.

Thurrock were also successful as they moved up to sixth in the standings with a 31-12 win at home to struggling Mersea Island.