Thanet U16 RFC v Thurrock U16 RFC

Saturday 28th January 2017 - Thurrock/Thanet Cup

After the disappointment of last years result, losing the T/T Cup on home turf, Thurrock travelled to Thanet in Broadstairs with the aim of bringing the cup "home". 22 boys travelled in numerous cars and arrived nice and early for warm up, and showed they were up for it!
In similar circumstances, there was a strong 'breeze' running length ways and a bright-ish sun, which in a reversal of fortune, Thanet had in the first half. Thanet's no.9, key to them last year, was trying hard to boss the game, but Ts back row continuously put pressure on him, plus Ts back 3 were on top form with the wingers getting back to help Harry at Fullback.
The first 20 minutes were very even, with Ts probing with runs and Thanet probing with kicks over the top for their pacey backs, and it was the latter that broke through first, scoring without conversion.
Thurrock were not going to lie down, and continued to apply pressure, keeping possession and probing forward with phase work. From the back of a maul, Kole emerged and thundered forward and from the resulting breakdown, Alfie got the ball and stormed over the line for Ts first score against Thanet. Harry was just wide with the conversion - and that's how it finished at half time, 5 - 5.

Ts made one change at half time, the return of skipper, Blake, (after being out with an injury), and he made an immediate impact, encouraging more aggression and consequently forced their way up the field, and from the back of a ruck he burst through and rampaged over the line. H was unlucky again with the conversion.
Shortly after the restart, Ts had a lineout, and from the ruckus that ensued, Kole emerged on the touchline ball in hand with 40m to go...the winger couldn't get him...would the flanker get him...no, Kole in at the corner for a superb solo try. Jimmy, in only his second competitive game after major shoulder injury, took over the kicking duties from out wide, and used the wind perfectly for the conversion.
The game ebbed and flowed in the middle of the park, and you could sense the next score could be critical. Ts absorbed some strong fightback play from Thanet and after a quick turnover, Ts backs burst forward with some great hands and then legs...Jake had a run, with speedy Luke outside him...Jake still running with Luke outside him, pass it?...no, didn't have to, Jake sprinted round half of the Thanet team to score near the posts, which Jimmy duly converted to give Ts a healthy 24 - 5 lead.
"Don't get complacent boys" was the call from the team...Doh!
2 Thanet tries, one converted brought it back to 24 - 17 with around 11 mins to play.
Thurrock regained their composure and launched themselves in to the Thanet half, hoping to keep them there or nick a score...wait a penalty in front of the posts..."3 points, 3 points", the coach shouted, no, Chaz - tap and go...Thanet not 10, another penalty..."3 points, 3 points"...it was worth another shout, no B - tap and go...the ref will pull them up for 2 tap & goes...NO, Penalty try for consistently not being 10m back, don't argue...Jimmy adds the extras...2-3 mins to go...
Thanet getting a lot of possession in the final few minutes and trying to run it every time, penalty to Thanet for a high challenge, and a yellow, (took one for the team...again!), for Kole...2 mins to go 14 points difference, could Thurrock hold on...too bloomin' right, counter rucking for their lives, won the ball, bang into the crowd...they won their cup back!
An absolute humdinger of a game with Ts worthy winners, and to the gallant hosts, they did very well, but Ts wanted it more today.

At the presentation, Thanet praised the Thurrock boys and picked out the "bearded one", the "Chunky blonde centre" and for Man of the Match, the dark destroyer, that set up the first try, scored a try of his own...and got a team yellow.
Thurrock, for the second year running, nominated their No.9, (Tom), despite being put under pressure by Ts, he still called the shots with some probing kicks and set up a couple of their tries.
The 2 Man of the Match were then invited for a drink off...Coke Floats, only no ice cream, crisps!
Kole probed his delicately, nibbling at the crisps from the top, Tom was straight in trying to drink the coke then eat the crisps...Kole was floundering, taking his time, Tom had nearly finished his coke and was trying to get the soggy crisps, but, hold on...up it comes, unlucky Tom. Kole tentatively nibbled what he could and while all the attention was on Tom he slipped away...!

We look forward to the third encounter, back at Thurrock next year, as U17s.

Well done Thanet for for being superb hosts before, during & after the game.
Well done to Thurrock, to all the parents that drove the boys to and from the game, the organisation from John & Ralphy in getting the game sorted and most importantly to all 22 that travelled.
Keep it up boys.

Thanet 17 - 31 Thurrock;
Thanet;
Tries:- 3no
Cons:- 1no

Thurrock;
Tries:- Alfie Bailey, Blake Burns, Kole Awosika, Jake Martin, Penalty
Cons:- Jimmy 3no.