Thurrock lose on the road

Thurrock again started a match without a first choice second row, and the players stepping up from the back row continue to do a fine job, but against a well drilled Sidcup side whose main weapon was a driving maul they did struggle. Adding to the injury woes was the loss of Ben Timson to work commitments, this left a void which was filled by captain Darryl Worster, normally a full back had a great game playing in the back row, looking as if he was a regular in that position.

It started off well for the visitors when Earl Gorman struck over an early penalty, but Thurrock conceded two tries in quick succession from front row forwards Cosh & Carmen the former being converted by Hardy. Gorman pulled another penalty back just after and Thurrock kept in touch. But the turning point of the whole game came in first half injury time as Thurrock with control of the ball lost possession and the home beat the cover defence for Cutler to score in the corner, Hardy adding the conversion from wide out.

On the balance of play the try was harsh on Thurrock, and despite playing most of the rugby found themselves trailing by 13 points, adding to the loss of Stefan North as injury struck another forward.

Thurrock huff and puffed and kept Sidcup on the back foot but Hardy added a penalty and then West added a try wide out again converted by Hardy, Thurrock were down and out. But Thurrock don’t know how to lay down, Jake Barrand and Jordan Thorne came on bringing the total of 18 year olds on the field to 3 and it was Barrand who firstly fed Bradleigh Rettigan to score a try, he then added one himself as Thurrock finally started to get reward they deserved, Gorman adding the conversion to the latter’s try, but it was all too late.