Stanford 2nds continued their winning ways with a convincing win against a visiting Rochford 5th team. It was pleasing to see the return of veterans Les Martin and Mark Payne as well as youngster Darren Myall.

First to score for Stanford was talented full back Rees Smith-Allan after a good clean break from just inside the half, saw the young star cross the line near the posts. The home teams forwards controlled set pieces from the onset and Matt Hasler was salmon like in the lineout securing clean ball for the Stanford backs. Lee Webb and Martin Johnson were awesome in open play and helped dominate rucks and mauls. Winger Ricky Coppard had an excellent game on his debut, making some superb tackles and looking dangerous with the ball in hand.

The half back pairing of Russell Jackson and Barry Stevens was formidable and caused endless problems for Rochford. Both players scored well worked tries to extend the Stanford lead. Rochford raised their game and managed score a couple of converted tries to bring the match closer. Stanford responded well and centre Jason Collier scored and converted his own try just before half time to make the score 22 – 12.

The second half saw some changes to personnel for both teams. Rochford borrowed a couple of players because of injuries and Stanford rotated its squad to give everyone a game. Lee Web powered over for a superb try, taking several would be tacklers with him to extend Stanford’s lead. Collier converted the kick to get the extra points. Rochford mustered up an attack and some poor tackling allowed them to score again. Liam Morley, playing for the visitors was given a warm welcome to the game when Barry Stevens smashed him out of the way with a great hand off. To finish a good performance Collier got his second try to make the final score 34 – 17.