TOTTONIANS were left to rue a tough 30 minutes playing with a man down as they were edged out
19-25 by London 3NR side Rochford Hundred in the EDF Senior Vase.
Three yellow cards were dished out to Totts and the half hour they played with 14 men proved the deciding factor in a nail-biting game.
During the three periods that Rochford were playing against a depleted opposition, they scored 22 of their 25 points.
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Rochford were on the attack right from the off and were consistently testing Tottonians' defence, which stayed sound.
Then, 13 minutes in, prop Tim Brandt was sin-binned for going over the top.
A penalty kick from Rochford stand off Tom
Ashton put them 3-0 in front and, five minutes later, they took advantage of Totts playing without a flanker whilst using a substitute prop when loose head Gav Dyer picked up and drove
through round the blind side of a ruck and powered over from 20 metres out.
A good conversion from Ashton put the Essex lads
ten points clear with no reply until just on the half hour, when Robbie Searle's low flyer from a penalty 40 metres out put Totts back into the frame at 10-3.
As the half drew to a close, Totts were awarded a penalty try when, from a five metres scrum, a powerful drive was impeded illegally and the referee adjudged that a probable try had been prevented.
Totts were finally getting the upper hand and, at 10-10, looking the stronger side.
But, with the dismissal of flanker Dan Stocks just before half-time and the resulting penalty, Rochford retook the lead with an easy three pointer from Ashton.
In the second half, Tottonians started to dominate, with the forwards putting in a very creditable performance, with some good tight drives, well contested loose play and a good share of turn-over ball. The backs were also starting to get it together with some good movements across the park, but Rochford matched this with some tight defending.
Totts drew even at 13-13 when a good attacking drive resulted in a penalty being awarded against the visitors for breaking early.
Five minutes later, Searle's boot was in action once again, this time from 39 metres out, after Rochford were penalised for not releasing.
With the score at 16-13 after an hour's play the
home side were in the lead for the first time.
Another penalty to Totts just seven metres out, this time for handling on the ground, increased the lead to 19-13 and the Hampshire boys had a firm grip on the game.
But, with seven minutes to go, it was the turn of
Bryn Marshall to go in the sin bin. With the advantage of the extra player Rochford's Ashton shot off to score left of the posts and converted
his own try.
With only one point in it, Tottonians desperately needed a late score and it was not the time to kick away possession. Unfortunately, attack turned to counter attack and Rochford sealed their win, as Totts lost their focus and
turned down the gas too early, as often seems to happen.
Good movement out to the wing resulted in a late try in the corner and a jubilant cry from the
vociferous visiting supporters told its tale.
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