Thurrock RFC U16 v Westcliff RFC U16

Thurrock RFC U16 v Westcliff RFC U16 (League 1, R5) 26.02.17

Thurrock were home for their fifth League game of the season which was a rematch from the Cup Draw earlier in the season with Westcliff. Ts were able to field one of their strongest squads of the season with a strong 22 man squad, which was a hard selection given the strength in depth and competition within the 30 man strong squad.

Ts started the game with the wind slightly at their backs and applied their phase work well building attacks and then defended well without the ball. Whilst applying the basic principles, Ts were going forward and when the ball was whipped out the backs, through the hands to Jake who beat a couple tackles to score near the posts making the conversion easier for Harry.
Thurrock kept up the momentum but inconsistencies gave the ball back to Westcliff. Westcliff launched a counter attack which was stopped just short of the try line, but when Westcliff tried to flick the ball out, a deliberate knock on saw Ts reduced to 14, and in the ensuing minutes Westcliff scored an unconverted try. Thurrock mustered up resilience to see the half out and lead 7 – 5.

After the break, either Westcliff moved up a few gears or Ts dropped down a few. Westcliff with some fresh legs on went through similar phases to what Ts do, only they were creating over laps out wide, and on 2 such occasions resulted in 2 quick fire tries, one unconverted, to take a 10 point lead.
Going backwards is not something these boys like doing but when they have to by law, and don’t do it quick enough they will be penalised, and Westcliff kicked one opportunity to take their lead to 13.
Thurrock pushed hard to get back into the game, but Westcliff’s defence repelled Ts attacks and turned it into their own attacks and another converted try took Westcliff 20 clear.
Thurrock to their credit kept going and did not let up in their pursuit of another score…and it came through dogged perseverance with Asa busting through in the corner for an unconverted try.
In the last 5mins Ts were reduced to 14 again due to a moment or 2 of stupidity, but the 14 held Westcliff out for the remainder of the game.

Despite the score line, Ts did themselves proud matching if not bettering a good Essex team, proving they are in the Top 3 or 4 in Essex, and are playing at the level they deserve to be at. A few inconsistencies and possibly a lack of enthusiasm today saw them come off second best today, but 2 more League games and the Essex Plate Final to come, there is still everything for this squad to play for.

Result;
Thurrock RFC U16s 12 - 27 Westcliff RFC U16s
TRFC:
Tries:
Jake Martin
Asa Gregory
Cons:
Harry Edmunds (1)

WRFC:
4 x Tries
2 x Cons
1 x Pen