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Rochford Hundred aim to clinch league title

ROCHFORD Hundred will clinch the London Two North East title with a win against Norwich this weekend.

The unbeaten league leaders are currently seven points clear at the top of the table.

And captain Matt Stewart is determined to ensure Hundred’s first place finish tomorrow.

“To win the league at home this Saturday, especially against an old rival would be the icing on the cake really,” said Stewart, who has been with Rochford for the past 23 years.

“We didn’t play very well at their place due to the Baltic conditions but everybody is gearing up for this one.

“I’m pretty sure HQ will be rocking come 3pm this Saturday that’s for sure and we’re all excited about the game.”

Norwich will arrive at Magnolia Road sitting third in the table.

And Stewart is expecting a difficult afternoon against them.

“Norwich are always a tough outfit,” said Stewart.

“They have a seasoned pack and have signed some tasty backs this year so I’m expecting a good battle to be honest.

“But as always I believe in the boys to turn up and do what is needed and get the result we want.”

Rochford have excelled throughout the season and have triumphed in all 19 of their league games.

Top try scorer Mark Billings has played a key part in the fine run of results.

And Billings is also eager to help Hundred pick up another win this weekend.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to win the league at the weekend and there’s a real excitement but focus at the same time,” said Billings, who has scored 33 tries so far this season.

“Playing Norwich away was a tough test and we expect the same again on Saturday.

“I had the opportunity to win a national title with Southend many years ago but never really appreciated the hard work involved in gaining promotion not just from the players but the club as a whole.

“I will really enjoy it this time if we’re successful at the weekend and we will be doing all we can to make sure that’s the case.”

Rochford will have Lewis Brunger available again in the front row but director of rugby Chris Green has warned his team not to take victory for granted.

“Norwich are the team who have come closest to beating us this season so we have to do it right at the weekend,” said Green.

“We’ve go a game to win and if we do we’ll enjoy it but we want to move on to bigger and better things too.”