League leaders continue their unbeaten run

It may have been a grey, drizzly December morning but Romford U16s were very much looking forward to playing Rochford Warriors. It’s been a challenging few weeks but the boys have learnt lots in defeat and were determined to get back to winning ways. Wearing their new kit, with new sponsor emblazoned on the front of their shirts, the boys were determined to christen it with a win. The game started solidly, both teams were strong in defence and attack and the game was centred around the middle of the pitch eventually Rochford made the breakthrough for the first try of the game but this didn’t faze Romford. The U16s pushed on and a lineout deep in Rochford’s 22 enabled Shaun Kerr, at the back of a strong driving maul, to ground the ball for Romford’s first try of the game. Romford managed to compound this try at the following restart as a great catch and pass to Torez Polius caught the Rochford boys napping and he split Rochford’s defence to dive under the posts for Romford’s second try of the match. Rochford did manage to grab a score back at the end of the half but Romford seemed in control.

HT: Rochford Warriors 12-10 RGP

Again, the half started brightly – Romford were driving the game and putting pressure on Rochford. Huge credit should be given to Rochford’s defence as they repelled wave after wave of Romford attack deep in their own 22. Romford’s rucking was stronger though, they were controlling the scrum and some strong tackling across the field was stopping any momentum that Rochford were trying to achieve. Eventually the dam burst and some strong work by the Romford forwards drew the Rochford defence in allowing the backs to pass the ball to Rae McGuinness who was just too fast to catch on the wing. He touched down under the posts and Jack Bennett stepped up to convert the try. Rochford really pushed hard in attack now, they were determined to score the next try and regain the lead. Some strong rucking in the centre of the field saw Romford turn the ball over and the resulting free-flowing move from Romford saw Torez Polius score another try in the corner and put an end to Rochford’s attack. Romford controlled the rest of the match at their own pace and successfully shut out Rochford for the rest of the game. An exciting game to watch and a complete team effort – the boys worked hard for each other and fully deserve the result. Well done boys – top of the table and unbeaten in all league matches.

Final Score:
Rochford Warriors 12
Romford & Gidea Park 22

Tries: Shaun Kerr, Rae McGuinness, Torez Polius (2)
Conversions: Jack Bennett (1)

Squad: H. Runham (c), T. Adewole, J. Bennett, S. Brindle, M. Courtney, O. Flower, N. Fregjaj, S. Kerr, B. Lloyd, R. McGuinness, T. O’Meara, J. Mimms, L. Potter, T. Polius, B. Shawyer, B. Walton

Man of the Match: Jack Bennett