Fullerians’ winless start to the London One North season continued as a contentious red card proved to be costly against second-placed Rochford Hundred, who romped to a 50-0 victory over the Watford side on Saturday.

Rich Hoskins’ team knew they would be up against it facing a side who had lost just once in the last two seasons, and the visitors were awarded a controversial opener through Norbertas Radzevicius, despite the winger’s foot being in touch.

Jamie Douglas then added Rochford’s second try soon after while Cameron Greenhall increased their advantage with two successful conversions.

Following that tough start, Fullerians’ hopes of mounting any sort of comeback were left in tatters when Myles Toon was controversially dismissed by the referee for allegedly elbowing an opposition player.

To add insult to injury, George Harvey was then sent to the sin bin and Rochford made full use of their numerical advantage, with Greenhall the next to run over.

A late penalty try handed Rochford a 26-0 lead at the break and despite a spirited second-half showing from Fullers, the visitors increased their advantage through Tom Ashton as well as Mark Billings following the restart.

Greenhall added the extras thanks to a successful conversion and he would notch his second try of the afternoon late on to hand Rochford a comprehensive victory.

The result leaves Fullerians second bottom in the table but despite the heavy defeat, head coach Hoskins was proud of the effort of his players.

He said: “Rochford are a good team but the red card killed the game. I was proud of the effort the boys put in and the score didn’t reflect on how hard they worked.”