Tucker, W. Baldwin, Clifton, Trapp (1), Ward, Tiernan, Cussen, McMurray, Frost, T. Ronayne, Ryan, Joe Arnone, Brazier, Brown, L. McEvoy, Webber, Hill, Thomas (1), John Arnone

This early season top of table clash was an uncompromising tough affair against a bigger side who played in a higher league last season and like Campion had racked up some comprehensive wins this season. This was a game that could have been won by either side however tight margins swung in Rochfords favour with lapses of concentration aiding in Rochfords two tries. Credit must be given to Rochford who dominated possession and in clearing their rucks aggressively provided a solid platform to implement their patterns of play. This is something Campion must start to do more of if they wish to swing matches such as these in their favour, it is clear to see that this level of structure is a result of training together during the week.

Campion have a squad of players more than capable of competing at the top of the league, lessons learnt this week will be far more beneficial than previous league results. Whilst putting this defeat behind us, we move on knowing we must start putting together another winning run beginning away to another side relegated from the league above next week.

A few injuries, first team call ups and players missing through work commitments left us a bit short of manpower this week but everyone stepped up to the plate in a stern examination up front. First appearances of the season for centre Kyle Brazier and prop Callum Clifton (returning from a rather enjoyable summer season of bar tendering in Magaluf) and a first run out off the bench from No. 8 Alfie Hill (making a welcome return after a recent operation) brought the number of players representing the seconds this season to 42. Mention here also for centre Will Brentall and flanker Chris (JC) Webber who we failed to record in last week's report as making their first appearances against Harlow. Hopefully we can add to the 42 by blooding a few of the schoolboys, giving the boys an opportunity to build on their experience before they tour South Africa next summer.

Tries from Will Trapp and Damo Thomas, both converted by Will Brown who also added two penalties in his most impressive kicking display of the season to date accounted for our 20 points. MOM was awarded to Richard Tucker who "gave as good as he got" throughout the match up, showing the form that rewarded him with player of the season (1992-93), when the majority of our team hadn't been born yet.

A tough match but one that shows that we can compete against the bigger clubs. The energy and intensity shown was above and beyond anything seen this season, something the lads will look to bring forward with them with tough fixtures against Braintree, Manor and Westcliff in the coming weeks.

Next week the first team are away at Basildon and the seconds are away at Braintree.