Rochford Hundred started life in London One North with a 32-22 defeat at home to Brentwood.

The men from Magnolia Road won promotion from London Two North East last season.

But that momentum was ended by a spirited second half comeback from Brentwood.

And Rochford’s first team manager Graham Pratt admitted it was a fair result.

“Brentwood deserved their victory because they adopted the right tactics in the second half to control the ball and didn’t allow us to get a sniff,” said Pratt.

“We were probably the better ball playing side but Brentwood showed in this league we will also need to be more street wise.

“We have to learn to have the ability to change tactics and front up against bigger and sometimes stronger opposition.

“Having said that, we are capable of producing some of the finest rugby this club has seen in years and we want to go from strength to strength.”

Rochford initially impressed on Saturday when hooker Tom Corbet finished off a skilful move to touch down under the posts.

New skipper Tom Ashton added the conversion and he then did likewise following his side’s second try, scored by Matty Stewart, to make it 14-0.

Brentwood soon hit back with a penalty and then an unconverted try to cut the home-side’s lead to 14-8.

But Rochford again extended their lead with a try from their flanker Andy Barker and Rochford led 19-8 at half-time.

However, Brentwood immediately impressed at the start of the second period and drove over for a converted try to get within four points of Rochford’s lead.

The visitors continued to push forward and they were soon rewarded when their full back burst through to score a try which was again converted to put them in front for the first time.

Rochford drew back level with a penalty from Ashton but Brentwood responded with another push over try from their number eight. The effort was converted by the stand off who then also kicked a long distance drop goal to make sure of the win.

Rochford will now be hoping to get back to winning ways when they head to Braintree on Saturday.

Rochford: Chivers, Corbet, Coombe, Goodliffe, Murphy, Needham, Baker, Chipper, Bracknell, Needham, Franceschi, T Ashton, Stewart, Edwards, A Ashton.

Replacements: Badger,Spencer & Baker