AN off-song Rochford Hundred fought out a hard, dour battle with old rivals Chingford.

But they eventually ended up with just a losing bonus point after suffering a 22-16 defeat in London One North.

Rochford could have easily taken more from the game but they were left with a familiar feeling of frustration at the final whistle.

Hundred’s cause was not helped by the loss of number eight George Chipper early in the match and Chingford started the stronger side.

They scored an unconverted try and a penalty to go 8-0 in front before Rochford skipper Tom Ashton helped his side hit back with two well-struck penalties.

The score stayed at 8-6 until the start of the second half when Ashton kicked another penalty to put Rochford ahead for the first time in the game.

There then followed a period of forceful Rochford play which stretched Chingford but their defence held out, helped by some slack Rochford finishing.

The game became a dour as the weather after that for most of the second session and Rochford’s errors were punished by the accurate kicking of the Chingford stand off who slotted over three penalties to put his side in to a 17-9 lead.

But the match came back to life again in the latter stages as the home side applied pressure which resulted in outstanding flanker Baker diving over to score in the corner.

Ashton’s sublime conversion brought Rochford to within one point at 17-16 and the large crowd came alive again in anticipation of another turnaround.

However, any notions of a last gasp Rochford victory were dashed as Chingford came back strongly and, in the dying minutes, their full back crashed over for his second try to finish the game off — much to the disappointment of Hundred’s first team manager Graham Pratt.

“It was another near thing but we’re just not getting the all important points,” said Pratt.

“It must come but injuries to key players are not helping at present.”