Ongar v Thurrock

The first fixture of the season proved to be a tough one! With several players playing out of position, we knew that the lads would have to be at their best especially against a strong Ongar team.

The match started with relentless pressure from the home team and initially Thurrock struggled to get any possession of the ball, partially due to a little rustiness and a well drilled Ongar team. Soon we found ourselves 12-0 down but the lads didn't drop their heads as they knew that they could get themselves back in the game. For the first 15 minutes of the second half the Ongar pressure continued but defensively we were good and held Ongar back. The Ongar backs had a great breakout from the halfway line and scored a well worked try. Soon afterwards Ongar were close to the Thurrock 5m line and were awarded with a penalty but some sloppy defending by us allowed them to cross our line once again. This was when we our true character shone through and we started to play with constant pressure on the Ongar team. Tomiwa Adeyabo powered his way to the try line but unfortunately put a foot in touch; this inspired the lads even more! The next to cross the line was Emmanuel Phillips who again stormed through the Ongar defense and was initially awarded the try, only for the Ref to change his mind and deny it. This just made Thurrock even more determined to get get what we deserved. So the pressure continued and eventually Thurrock were awarded a penalty just outside the 5m line and with some quick thinking from Ed Suddell,the ball was quickly moved into space and finally touched down by Tommy Ray in the corner. Joseph Kelly was then tasked with the kick at goal from the touch line which was tough enough but also had to deal with some excited Ongar players that seemed to want to take the kick for him! Joe kept his nerve and slotted the ball right between the posts.

It was a good test for the boys which brushed away the summer cobwebs.