Rain overnight meant that a muddy pitch welcomed us at Rochford this morning and as the game kicked off it was clear the U14’s were going to be in for a very physical battle. Although Rochford scored three converted tries in this half Romford fought hard, they met Rochford’s meaty tackles, hard rucking and strong scrummaging as equals but unfortunately they couldn’t break the line and gain the vital score.

Half time: Rochford 21-0 RGP

The second half of the game though was a different affair, an early try from Rochford galvanised Romford. Romford gained possession and held on to it and a slick passing move eventually gave Michael Courtney and Romford a well deserved try which was converted by Ryan Blinkhorne. Romford continued for the next 10 minutes against 14 men as Rochford lost a player who was carded for a high tackle whilst trying to stop the try. This gave Romford even more fire in their bellies and Romford battled hard within Rochford’s 22 until eventually a weaving run from Ryan Pooley enabled him to touch down for Romford’s second try. A bruising encounter may have ended in a loss but Romford can hold their heads high.

Final Score:

Rochford 26
RGP 12

Tries: Michael Courtney, Ryan Pooley
Conversions: Ryan Blinkhorne (1)

Squad: L. Metcalf (c), M. Courtney, R. Pooley, S. Kerr, B. Watts, R. Page, L. Palmer-Anscomb, B. Shawyer, C. Hardy, O. Flower, B. Walton, J. Mimms, T. O’Meara, R. Blinkhorne, M. Sultana, J. Rawana

Main image: Jane Hardy

Match details

Match date

Sun 29 Nov 2015

Kickoff

11:00

Team overview