BECCLES 15, ROCHFORD HUNDRED 29: Beccles threw away a good chance of picking up their first league win since promotion when they entertained unbeaten Rochford at Beef Meadow.

Hinsley and Wilson returned from injury to replace Pennington and Maeer. In the backs Calver came in at centre and Hoffman returned on the bench.

Beccles, wearing their new shirts for the first time, started the game well and were quickly on top in the set-pieces. Some good driving play by the forwards took the play deep in to the Rochford half. Rob Wilson picked up the ball and powered his way over for the opening score. Wade missed the conversion but added a penalty to stretch the lead further.

Payne was sent to the sin bin for a late tackle and Rochford were able to take advantage of the extra man and score a converted try. But Beccles got back on top again and pinned the opposition in their own half and the pressure soon told with another try. The ball was recycled well and the ball was fed to Wade cutting a good line. He was not held in the tackle just short of the line and got back to his feet to score. before adding the conversion.

Rochford managed another try before the interval, breaking off the back of a scrum and creating the overlap to score to make it 15-12.

The first 20 minutes of the second half were even, with neither side taking the chances they created. As the game moved in to the last quarter Rix was sent to the sin bin and Rochford added a penalty to draw the scores level.

With Beccles a man down Rochford threw everything at them and were rewarded with a try. Beccles tried hard to come back and had chances to score that were not taken.

As the game drew to a conclusion it became very open and Rochford added another try to rob Beccles of a much deserved losing bonus point. Musker McIntyre man of the match was Porter.