Eton Manor picked up their third win on the bounce with a 21 – 18 points victory over a full strength Rochford team who had been picking up some valuable recent points in their battle to avoid relegation. On a boggy pitch Eton Manor played down the slope. From the kick off Rochford were awarded a penalty and their fly half made no mistake in picking up the 3 easy points. From the restart Eton Manor took immediate control in both the set piece and open play. Rochford were unable to cope with the pick and drive game of the Manor forwards and after an infringement at the breakdown the away side was given a penalty which Greg Anderson slotted.

The following 15 minutes saw good play from both sets of backs. The big Rochford backline always looked dangerous when going wide whereas the Manor backs found more space through the centres channel. Neat looping in particular from the Mckie brothers began to find holes with the ever keen Reece Reed on hand ready to exploit any space provided. The first try of the game came from a shortened line out where good work between Ritchie Gage and Tryson Goodchild saw the latter sneak over for a try in the corner which was again converted by the boot of Anderson.
The game however turned in favour of Rochford when good line out ball from the 22 was fed to their centre who managed the bigest knock on in history. This was seen by everyone except the referee. With all the Manor players stopping for the scrum the Rochford winger collected the ball for an easy try to bring the scores back to 10-10. This seemed to put Manor off their game and Rochford became increasingly confident managing to work another try for a 15-10 lead. With half time looming the Manor pack once again took control and after banging on the door a few times it was Macer Twydell who eventually got over the line taking his season tally up to 5.

Half time Rochford 15 Eton Manor 15.

The second half was a scrappy affair with the rugby from both teams limited by the sticky conditions. Penalties from either side were taken and a tense finale looked in store. It was Rochford who had the best chance with their winger only stopped by an amazing covering tackle from Gubs. One spectator described it like watching a ‘lion bringing down an antelope’. Particular praise must go to the Manor tight five who had the upper hand over their opponents all game and never took a backwards step. In the end the game was settled by a drop goal from Callum Mckie and for the last 8 minutes Eton Manor took full control not letting Rochford get out of their half, showing calm and control to take all the points 18-21.

Coach Mark Cushieri said “I thought we were the better side today and despite not playing well sometimes you just have to win ugly. We have set the target of picking up maximum points in our last 5 games and have 2 more to go”. Next week Eton Manor are at home to Bury St Edmunds. This will be followed by our 'Almost end of season party'. Please spread the word and let’s make it a great night.