Robert Clack School return fixture

Robert Clack School U16 v Thurrock RFC U16 (Friendly) 17.09.16

Saturday 17th September trekked over to Dagenham to play the ‘return’ fixture against Robert Clack School, (RCS), after the curtain raiser game last season at TRFC. Thurrock were boosted by the return of several Essex Squad players as well as newly registered players, and arrived, eventually with 25 players. 2 of the Robert Clack School players were of course from TRFC, (Jake, who was captain for the day and Scott). However they, and Thurrock were missing Jimmy who is currently out injured and we wish him a speedy recovery.

The game started very evenly with RCS having most of the possession, and Ts defending most of the time. RCS used the windy conditions well and peppered H at full back, but he and the support recovered well each time.
That said, it was RCS that broke the deadlock by probing the back line and finally breaking through to touch down and convert to lead 7 – 0. Ts steadied the ship and started stringing passes and ‘plays’ together, although RCS defence was very good. Ts momentum was stuttering as the coaches were trying the whole squad and after 20mins began rotating players, which made continuity more demanding. RCS held on to lead 7 nil at half time.

With the second half underway, and all 25 players getting a run out, Ts began to play with a bit more fluidity and after around 10mins, Cowman got the ball from a lineout and pummelled over in the corner for Ts first score, the conversion was narrowly missed by H.
The next 15mins remained quite even, and with the TRFC coaches making more changes bringing on fresh legs, Ts perked up and were pressing for a winning score. The backs began to get more and more involved and it was down to a new boy in Mark Ikhifa to sprint through, breaking tackles and score under the posts, which H converted, to make it 12 – 7.
The game rumbled on longer than expected, but Ts held on to win the match in a very good, even contest.

Ts came through a bruising contest at RCS, who gave as good as they got, but Ts attacking flare seemed to be coming together, and despite the score against them, their defence and tackling was a lot better. This will be truly tested by Brentwood on Sunday, and the coaches will be reviewing all 30 players with a view of picking only 22 for the game next weekend which is away to Upminster in the first round of the Essex Cup.

Result;
Robert Clack School U16s 5 - 12 Thurrock U16s
Tries;
Jack Cowman
Mark Ikhifa

Cons:
Harry Edmunds (1)

Ts have another game on Sunday away to Brentwood, and will have another squad of up to 30 players to have a go at the newly promoted Brentwood team.