Rochford Hundred ran high-flying Letchworth Garden City close at Magnolia Road but were eventually beaten 33-26.

Rochford dominated the exciting encounter for long spells.

However, second-placed Letchworth were eventually able to grind out the victory.

The visitors went in front straight from the kick-off when their stand off scorched through to score a try under the posts.

But Rochford struck back with a penalty from Kit Branch and they then went in front when fiery flanker Andy Baker sped over for a fine try.

The score stayed the same until late in the half when Letchworth’s speedy winger was given too much and touched down to put the visitors 14-8 ahead at half-time.

However, the second period started well for Rochford as they clawed their way ahead thanks to an outstanding piece of individual rugby by Branch.

He was able to break free before chipping over the opposition and running three-quarters of the pitch to score under the uprights.

He converted his own try and then also kicked a penalty to put his side 18-14 ahead.

The lead was extended even further by another Branch penalty.

But Letchwoth rallied and levelled the score at 21-21 with a converted try in the 70th minute.

Straight away Rochford came back and, after some good forward surges in to the Letch-worth 20-metre area, Branch quickly saw flanker Baker out wide on the wing and floated a superb kick for him to gather and dive over the line.

The home team were back in front again at 26 -21 but a frantic last few minutes saw Letch-worth came out on top.

They scored late tries following some slack play by Roch-ford but the men from Magnolia Road were encouraged by their performance.

“I’m proud of the team because they stepped up to the task,” said Pratt.

“But unfortunately we couldn’t quite do it and it was a sad farewell to Jack Pearce, who leaves for Australia next week.

“He has played some very good rugby for us when we needed it so much and made a number of friends in the process.

“We wish him well for the future.”

The defeat left Rochford five points above the drop zone after relegation rivals North Walsham beat Old Colfeians 40-3.