With 4th place in their first season in league 1 at stake, this was a
game that Ching wanted to win. Given that they had beaten Rochford
60-14 in late November they had reasons to think this was ‘in the
bag’. The good thing about sport is that nothing is certain, and so it
proved at 3 minutes as Rochford scored the first converted try. Ching
knew they had to get back in the game and this was  was led by the
pack who showed strength in the scrum. If it wasn’t for a few loose
passes Ching could have struck earlier. At 12 minutes from loose play
Nick Arnold made some good ground, combined with Max who then linked
up with Ben who sent Matt Marie in for the first try.  Matt Lumb added
the extra points by converting. Chings next opportunity came at 15
minutes with a scrum on Rochfords 22. Max picked up from the base and
surged over. Rochford were determined to make a game of it, and a good
run by their strong centre, weaved through the Ching defence to  even
up the scores at 12-12. With half-time looming Ching once again won
the scrum just outside the 22. Max drove towards the line, linked up
with Ben who cut through to score. Matt Lumb added the vital extra
points to put Ching in the lead 19-12 at the break.
With 4 minutes of the 2nd half Richard made a good break down the left
wing, but was tackled. Matt Lumb in support got the ball and ran
laterally, linking up with Nick Arnold who continued the run beyond
the half-way, pinned his ears back to score in the corner. Ching
seemed content with their lead, but this Rochford team were determined
to get back into the game, and after a series of scrum penalties,
Rochford kept recycling the ball to score at close range, converting
their effort. With around 10 minutes to go Rochford were on the attack
again, but Max ripped the ball within the Ching 22 and linked with the
backs who got the ball to the lightning-quick Richard who sprinted
half the pitch to score with Matt Lumb adding the extra points. The
last score of the game went to Rochford who had a tap penalty on the
line.
Overall a great performance by the boys in their first year in league
1. It was good to have Reece back from injury and all the team played
their part in the victory. The performance of the pack led by Fitzy,
Adam and Jack was top class and gives Ching something to build on.
Man-of-the-match went to Max who once again had a fine all-round game.

Scorers
Trys – Matt Marie, Max Rabey,  Ben Maru, Nick Arnold, Richard Akinlade
Conversions – Matt Lumb (3)
Will McGillivray, Adam Wakeling, Sam Fitzgerald, Jack Johnson, Sam
Mellen, Jordan Hillier, Daniel Bingham, Brandon Cox,Nick Arnold,  Max
Rabey (c), Sam Robbens, Reece Daltrey, Matt Lumb, Ben Maru, Harry
Gilly, Ellis Flaherty, Matt Marie, Richard Akinlade, Emmanuel  Falola