GRAVESEND 11
THURROCK 14
Thurrock made the short journey to old foe’s and rivals Gravesend the clubs first ever opponents in 1928 for a league meeting the first for over 5 seasons.
Many Thurrock supporters used the Ferry for the short walk to the ground via numerous local hostelries, and arrived in lovely sunshine to watch 2 teams hurting from 1st day defeats. Thurrock started the brighter but long clearing kick put the visitors under pressure. The game was never s spectacle with Thurrock’s running game not able to gain momentum, and it was the home side who took the lead through 2 penalties from full back Rhys Betts to put the home side 6-0 ahead.
Jake Barrand added a penalty for the visitors before both sides went down to 14 men just before the break for 2 different misdemeanours.
But Thurrock started the second half much better but soon found themselves back down to 14 men as a further mistimed tackle was deemed to warrant 10 minutes. But back to full strength Thurrock got their noses ahead when Sonny Gay got the ball down with the forwards on hand to force the player of the line. Although, Jake Barrand missed the conversion he added a further penalty to extend the lead to 11-6
Gravesend though came back scored under the posts thanks to flanker Wilkins, and it looked likely that the conversion was a given, but Betts looked in astonishment has Matt Catchpole charged the kick down, so score remained level. The heavens then opened for 10 minutes of rain that changed the context of the game with both sides trying to keep the slippery ball safe, but with 8 minutes to go a second yellow card for Gravesend put them down to 14 and the resultant penalty was converted by Jake Barrand to give Thurrock back the lead which they managed to hold until the final whistle.
Still work to do but the signs of improvement are there.

This week THURROCK V MEDWAY at Oakfield Kick Off 3.00pm