The Thurrock 1st XV visited Hove for the first time ever and came away with a hard earned victory this past Saturday. Although Hove occupy bottom spot, they belied their lowly placing with a spirited performance keeping Thurrock honest all game. Thurrock were on the backfoot early in the game as the Home teams fly half kept them pegged in their own half with some well directed kicks. As Ts have shown throughout this season, their defence was more than a match for the home team and smashed them back time & time again. On a rare attacking lineout, Thurrock scored their first try. Strong carries from Tom Pool, Chris Shorter & Tani Loka allowed quick ball for the backs who passed it along the line for Dan Stone to score in the corner. Sam Stanley continued his great kicking from the previous week and nailed the touchline conversion. The score remained at 7-0 until first half injury time when a chip from the home team was charged down by Dylan Fearon on half way. Dan Carey was first to react and hacked it forward for Fearon to chase and score his first try for Ts. Stanley again converted for a half time lead of 14-0, a score which flattered the visitors.
The second half was much the same, with the constant drizzle continuing and the sea fret making conditions very murky. Despite the deteriorating conditions, Thurrock managed to get a foot hold of the game and started to put some nice phases together. Ts scored their 3rd try following a strong run by Jake Barrand. The ball found its way to Tom Pool who ducked under a tackle and went in under the posts unchallenged. Stanley converted once more.
The bonus point try came following more good work by both forwards and backs. This again created space for Dan Stone to score his 10th try in only his 5th senior match. Stanley was unable to convert from the touchline, his 1st miss off the tee in 15 attempts.
Tees weren't finished there as more strong carries by Brad Retigan & Tani Loka created room for Charlie Russo to barge his way over the line. Another strong team move took Ts close to Hove's line and Jake Bedding was on hand to dot down in the corner for Ts 6th and final try. The last 2 tries were also unconverted.
Credit to the home team, who continued to fight. Ts however, were resolute in defence and managed to keep their opponents scoreless as the full time whistle went. Ts recorded their 2nd try bonus point victory in a row and remain in 6th place.
Next week Thurrock host Cobham in front of a VP crowd with kick off at 3pm