Rochford U13s 0 Stanford U13s 19 RUGBY: STANFORD’S U13s travelled to Rochford on Sunday and got the points they needed for promotion to the first division.

Stanford started the stronger some good phases of play and decent support saw the ball spun out wide for Lewis Cross to score in the corner.

Rochford came right back at Stanford but for all their pressure could not get past the red boys defence.

Stanford tried hard to extend their lead and maybe tried a bit to hard as some handling errors let Rochford off the hook a few times and the half ended 0-5.

Stanford again started the half stronger and started to put Rochford under pressure at every opportunity.

Stanford finally gained control of the game, won a scrum against the head and Lewis Cross scored under the posts, with the points converted by Harry Taylor.

Rochford seemed to fall off the pace and Cross intercepted for probably the easiest score he has had all season – again converted by Harry Taylor.

The game was a feisty affair as neither team wanted to lose.

Stanford gained promotion to the first division in their first season of full rugby.

Credit must go to the boys and parents for their commitment through the season.