Thurrock lose away to Sevenoaks

Thurrock made the shortish journey South of the River to play a Sevenoaks side that they had beaten in both fixtures last season in what was their only double of a tough campaign.

T's started the better of the sides and took the lead through Jake Barrand following a midfield break by Ben Stanley. Tom Worsfold converted from the touch line. Sevenoaks got themselves on the scoreboard shortly after when they a penalty. Tee's continued to keep possession of the ball but couldn't break through some resolute defending by the home side. They managed to stretch their lead through a drop goal by the quick thinking Jake Barrand.

The half ended badly however with Sevenoaks scoring 2 breakaway tries following poor kicking from Thurrock and a couple of penalties to go in at half time 23-10 down

Thurrock certainly started the second half the livelier of the two teams, and pressed hard at Sevenoaks with solid running from Centre's Henry Bird & Ben Stanley. Sevenoaks defended well but were opened up by a scything Jake Barrand run and he managed to score in the corner, the conversion by Worsfold was missed this time. The score was now 26-15 following an earlier Sevenoaks penalty and everything to play for as Thurrock kept hold of the ball. Sevenoaks turned the game on it's head when once again, a poor clearance kick found their strong running fullback and he was able to pick off the T's defenders and set his side up for a momentum bursting try to take the game to Sevenoaks who were able to add another counter attacking try late on to round off the scoring. A tough result considering the amount of possession that Thurrock had but will need to learnt that they must take their opportunities or face being punished by teams in this tough league.

Next week will see the first home game of the season as T's take on recently relegated Westcombe Park in what is sure to be another big game for Martin Jones' team