Rochford dropped more league points in bad tempered game.

Once again Rochford failed to rise to the challenge of important league matches and put more pressure on themselves over the weeks ahead.

This time an improved Brentwood team kept their discipline and used the sloping pitch to full advantage.

Playing down the field in the first half Rochford knew that they had to put points on the board but gave away three penalties which grateful Brentwood kicked over.

Fussy refereeing did not allow the game to develop and created frustration on both sides but affected Rochford more, where poor discipline and backchat were punished by a number of penalty decisions against them.

The best try of the afternoon came after sustained pressure and neat handling saw Rochford skipper Jon Brown burst through for an excellent try.

But Brentwood responded before half-time with a try of their own to bring the score 14-5 at the break.

Rochford had it all to do in the second half and tried to take the game to their opponents who knew that strong defence and good clearing kicks down the pitch with the wind behind them were the best tactics.

Brentwood waited for an opening and when they came punished Rochford with two tries, one converted, to take the match out of reach of a dispirited Rochford.

Published Tuesday, January 28, 2003

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