Walden Go top in fine style

Walden moved to top of the table with a thrilling exhibition of running rugby in front of 150 plus supporters as they made light of the howling gale blowing diagonally across the pitch which was in Walden's favour in the first half.
Right from the kick off Walden showed their intent as they won a penalty on half way, captain James Gosden took it quickly passing to scrum-half Paul Marshall who kicked through. Right winger Adam Miles chased it down sliding on to the loose ball 5 metres from the try line popping the ball up to Marshall who dived over unopposed. Tom Price kicked the first of several conversions despite the very tricky wind. 7 - 0 2 mins.
5 mins later Rochford scored their only points of the half when Walden were caught offside. 7 – 3.
Then came a blistering show of attacking Rugby as Walden cruised to the 4 try bonus point in the next 15 minutes. Tries by Price, following a break by fly half Hughes, 2nd row Brad Baker who spotted a huge gap in front of him at a ruck and then by flanker Matt Holden supporting a fine run by centre Mark Kimberley as Walden broke out of defence pushing the score to 28 -3.
There was then a slight respite for the stunned visitors but 2 further tries just before half time effectively sealed the win. The fifth try came as Walden broke out of defence passing down the line and Kimberley this time used his pace to round the cover, with 2 men in support he dummied the last man to go over in the corner. Then on the stroke of half time another break by the Walden backs saw left winger Ross Ferguson making his first start for the 1's receive a perfectly timed pass to dive over the line to get his debut try leaving the score at half time 38- 3.
With the gale now with Rochford they looked to come back strongly and were first on the score board in the second half as they attacked Walden's line. Eventually gaining a penalty, taking it quickly they dived over to narrow the gap to 38- 10.
Any thoughts of a sustained comeback were soon quashed as from the restart Adam Miles charged down the clearance kick gathering the ball to score. 43- 10.
Rochford scored next 43- 17 but yet again Walden hit back as centre Mitch Clare latched on to a clever pass and was through under the posts to take the scoreboard up to 50 points.
Rochford to their credit never let their heads go down and scored their 3rd try with 15 mins to go 50 – 24.
But Walden denied the visitors any further tries with some good defence and won the half with 2 further tries, first by Adam Miles who was on hand to receive the final pass after a fine flowing move by both backs and forwards and then Matt Holden who ran up the blind side subjecting the Rochford winger to the Maori side step as both players got their second try each. Leaving the final score at 60 – 24.
Walden are still level with Diss at the top of the table but have overtaken them on points difference to go top.
Next week they travel down to Romford for a game under lights for what is always a tricky encounter knowing they can not afford to relax if they are to stay at the top.