Rochford Hundred started their league campaign with a 47-11 win at Enfield Ignatians.

An early converted try from winger Greg Stubbs sent Rochford on their way and his side looked full of running as they signalled their intent for the season ahead.

It therefore came as no surprise when number eight George Chipper scored another fine try, with Tom Ashton again kicking the conversion to make it 14-0 after just 15 minutes.

Moments later, Jack Hall chased and dived over for a stunning try and next to score was flanker Andy Baker, who finished off another great move to earn Rochford a bonus point under the new system in use at this level this season.

Ashton added the extras before Hall touched down for the second time, with Ashton again converting to make it 33-0 at half-time.

Rochford were the first to open the second half scoring too with a Sean Conneely try which Ashton converted.

But, after that, it was a much closer affair as the home side fought back and Rochford eased off.

With the wind behind them Ignatians put together some sustained attacking play and were rewarded with a well-taken try converted by their fullback.

Enfield had more possession during this period and they made full use of it to score another try, which was duly converted to bring the score to 40-14.

However, Rochford, who were relegated from London One North last term, had the final say with a try from Dan Needham, which Ashton converted.

It was not such a good day for Canvey Island though as they began life in London Two North East with an 11-6 defeat at home to Romford and Gidea Park.

Canvey started the more determined side and, after 15 minutes, fly-half Damon Cooper slotted over a drop goal.

Romford replied with a penalty, but a similar effort from Cooper gave the newly-promoted Islanders a 6-3 half-time lead.

In the second half Romford mounted some attacks of their own but their final touch let them down.

Canvey’s tight scrum were the better eight on the day taking four against the head but Canvey were still unable to score the elusive try and at times were having trouble understanding the referee’s interpretations of the laws.

That resulted in them giving far too many penalties away and late in the half Romford slotted one over to equalise.

Then, just when it looked like a draw was on the cards, Romford scored an unconverted try with the final play of the club to leave Canvey gutted at the final whistle.

But club spokesman Joe Lespesh insisted valuable lessons had been learned in the defeat.

“If we are going to do well in this division, we must put our opportunities away and learn to play the refs,” he said.

Canvey’s next chance to impress comes at Rochford this weekend.