Thurrock RFC U16 v Old Colfeians RFC U16

Thurrock RFC U16 v Old Colfeians RFC U16 (Friendly) 19.02.17

Thurrock welcomed Old Colfeians from Kent, but alas due to County DPP Festival and last minute holidays before school restarts, they were reduced to 13 players. Despite having 7 Essex DPP players also at the festival, Ts boasted a squad of 22 boys, and being the boys that they are, 2 volunteered to play for them so we could have 15 aside – so a big thank you & well done to Sean & Papa for stepping up.

With confidence from the start Ts put pressure on the OC’s line using some good phase play and managed to fling the ball through the hands to Jake to trot over for Ts first try which was ably converted by Mark. Ts had to knuckle down and defend, and they did so with some neat tackles and counter rucking, their scrummaging was fantastic winning against the head several times. Again from some great counter play, Ts launched an attack through some great running lines, particularly from Irish who stormed over for a try, which again was converted by Mark, As the game progressed, Ts were showing their dominance not only in attack but with some strong defensive work. The forwards were strong taking the ball on at every opportunity and the backs flinging it through their hands, sometimes too nonchalantly with 1 handed passes not going to hand, or forward, but after another run from Mark, supported by Luke, Ts were right on the try line where Alex pounced for Ts 3rd try, which Mark was unable to convert.
Ts had lodged themselves in OC’s half if not their 22, and from the back of the scrum Mark danced around from the back to score, which again he couldn’t convert. Then shortly after, and just before half time, a misjudged clearance kick from OCs was caught and returned through hands for Mark to plonk down under the posts. This time he left the extras to Jake who slotted over to give Ts a 31 – 0 half time lead.
Second half was similar with Ts showing their growing confidence, with ball being passed with ease, time & space, and as often as this was happening Ts were scoring with a further try from Jake shortly after the restart. Mark couldn’t add the extras. Another try came from spoiling in the lineout where Ts put pressure on the OCs line, and Morgan had the presence to run at the 10 who fumbled the ball for Morgan to latch on to for a score on his return to the team. Unfortunately Mark’s legs were getting tired and he couldn’t add the 2 points.
Despite Ts dominance, a concerted effort of ball retention from OCs saw them press toward Ts line and a couple of missed tackles saw them crash over for a well deserved try, unconverted.
Again, Ts recomposed themselves and launched more attacks, which Mark exploited for his hat trick, after which he came off for a well deserved rest. Jordan stepped up for the conversion, and missed!
Not to be out done, another swift move through the hands, charging forward, saw Jake dot down for his hat trick. With the last kick of the game Scott offered his services from the Tee, but also missed!

A great confidence boosting win for the Ts, who stringed together some fantastic plays, and were solid in defence. OC’s coaches thanked and praised the 2 Thurrock boys, Sean & Papa for their efforts and their attitude in trying to Gee up the OC boys, and he also let them keep hold of the Old Colfeian shirts they were wearing as a mark of respect – fantastic.

Thurrock RFC U16s 51 - 5 Old Colfeians RFC U16s
Tries;
Jake Martin 3
Mark Ikhifa 3
Jack Cowman
Alex Koigi
Morgan Smith

Cons;
Mark Ikhifa 2
Jake Martin 1

Old Colfeians;
Tries: 1 try
Cons: 0

Next week, Ts are home for their 5th League game against Westcliff.