ROCHFORD Hundred surged back to winning ways with a hard-fought 28-26 victory against Canterbury at Magnolia Road.

The win kept Rochford one place above the National League Two East drop and delighted head coach Danny Cleare whose side had been beaten in their previous five games.

“Saturday was a huge performance and an even bigger result,” said Cleare.

“We knew that if we lost there would be a good chance we would slip into the relegation zone with Walsham playing Westcliff so it was important that we got the win.”

Tauren Henwood, Rory Gray and Sam Cappaert all scored tries in the narrow win while the rest of the points came via the boot of full-back Chris Dudman.

And Cleare felt getting players back from injury proved key.

“It’s been no secret how hard injuries have hit us recently but even having a few players back on the pitch was such a lift for the team,” said Cleare.

“Sonny (Gay) our captain was back and although he only played half a game he was immense and led from the front.

“The calmness and leadership he brings is massive as well.

“We also had Mac (Nabogi) back at number eight and, although he has struggled all week at training with his hamstring, he arguably put in his best performance in a Rochford shirt.

“He was incredible and helped us play on the front foot.”

But Cleare’s praise did not stop there.”

“Everyone else who played was equally as brilliant,” said Cleare.

“We had a great balance of calmness in attack but absolute desperation in defence.

“It was a great game to watch and I couldn’t be prouder of the performance.”

Rochford sit one point above the relegation with seven games to go.

And Cleare is now setting his sights on Saturday’s clash with fifth placed Bury St Edmunds.

“It’s important we back up that performance with another good one against Bury,” said Cleare.

“They are in a really good bit of form lately so it will be difficult.

“We played well against them at our place losing by six points and felt we deserved more out of the game.

“But if we can bring the same intensity and accuracy as we did against Canterbury and improve on a few things that didn’t go as well, then there is no reason we can’t go there and have a proper crack at them.”

Bottom of the table Westcliff lost 57-15 to North Walsham on Saturday while Southend’s poor form continued in Regional Two Anglia with a 39-36 defeat at Thurrock.