A much-awaited derby fulfilled all expectations as Rochford held off Basildon's stirring fightback in one of the best games seen at Magnolia Road for many years.

A large and vocal crowd provided the perfect backdrop to a thrilling display of open rugby.

It was Rochford's fierce determination that led to winger Matt Barber diving over for the opening try, and Mark Sexton's penalty soon put the hosts 8-0 ahead.

Basildon promptly replied when a decisive break led to a sprint between the posts for a converted try.

Breathtaking rugby continued to flow from both sides, and Ian McCready dummied his opposite number to set up Jamie Banks for another unconverted Rochford try.

However, a well-taken penalty and an unconverted try put Basildon in front for the first time, at 15-10.

Both sides probed well for an advantage, but Rochford's extra experience in the backs started to tell, leading to a penalty try.

Rochford skipper Wayne Seaby then drove over from a maul to round off a pulsating first half that left the hosts 25-15 ahead.

The second period was more settled, although again both teams pressed for a breakthrough.

It was the young Basildon side who broke the deadlock with a converted try midway through the period, to leave them just three points adrift.

The new towners were spurred to produce intense pressure towards the end of the contest. However, Rochford's more experienced forwards kept their heads well and waited for a scoring chance themselves.

When it came, they finished off Basildon's hopes.

Rochford pounded Bas-ildon's line, and, as the match entered injury time, Andy Lipscombe powered over for a try in the corner to seal victory. Rochford romp home

ROCHFORD 3RD 45

BASILDON 3RD 0

Rochford's thirds' much-improved showing underlined their strength in depth.

Two tries apiece from Keith Barnes and the recently-revitalised Nick Hause were accompanied by scores from Russ Hambleton and Colin McAlpine, plus a try and five conversions from the ever-reliable Dave Isaacs.

A fine performance amid a convincing team display came from youngster Paul Head, who was aided by the growing promise of Essex under-18 scrum-half Adam Keating. Veteran Craig Harbrow also did well, after a long lay-off.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.