They didn't have to look too far back to those halcyon days of a decade ago when a Mike Stanley inspired team was putting everybody to the sword. Stanley completed the feat on several occasions before playing for Samoa in the 2015 World Cup!

Nevertheless, this was an extraordinary feat of fine finishing for the latest winger to come off the Thurrock conveyor belt.

On a weekend when both England and Wales underperformed, Thurrock kept the locals smiling as they continued their fine form.

Right from the off, Thurrock stormed on to the attack. A tremendous leap from Jay Jennings, who was outstanding throughout, gave the home side primary possession. Second row partner, James Rodger latched on before releasing returning skipper, Ben Timson. An exquisite off-load sent serial try scorer Eddie Stevens scurrying over the line for a trademark touch down which Dan Stone converted.

Stowmarket stand above Thurrock in the table and the Suffolk outfit were always going to have a purple patch in the game and a penalty by full- back Jonathan Mann reduced the arrears.

The Stowmarket pack seemed up for the challenge as they drove Thurrock deep into entrenchment mode.
After a zesty "tap and go", the recent debutant, Andy McAllister stopped the opposition in their tracks only to be sent to the bin for not retreating the regulatory 10 metres.

The referee awarded a penalty try to rub salt in the wounds as a disconsolate McAllister left the field. A shame for the new recruit who has made great progress this season and has been a real success story for the coaching staff who have shown faith in his physicality and willingness to learn.

With the away side taking the lead, Thurrock looked to their usual sources of inspiration. The midfield trio of Stone, Bird and Clifford strung together a series of moves that rocked the opposition. With Rhys Cotter flying into the line continually, it looked to all intents and purposes that Ahmed Aminu and Kye Holloway would eventually be overlap beneficiaries. Thank goodness we weren't witnessing the kick exchange contest the crowds were numbed by at Cardiff and Twickenham!

The point of difference for successful International teams like Ireland is that their props like Furlong, Porter et al bring a sense of menace to their all- court game! Not only do they scrummage well, but are dominant in the tackle and search out the big hits to destroy their opponents' attacks and confidence.

Now the likes of Aaron Antrobus, Frank Wright, Lawrence Brown and Tom Wileman are realising that they, too, can cause havoc with their physicality. The props in harmony breached the gain line before fine inter-play between James Rodger and Dan Ulph combined to put Holloway in for his second try of the day.

It seemed as if Stowmarket were up for the fight as they launched a series of counter attacks. A splendid cross-field kick by the ubiquitous Mann almost caught out the home defence before fleet- footed full-back Rhys Cotter came to the rescue with a sliding tackle on the ball that Eddie Taylor would have been proud of!

Thurrock were now stung back into action. A penalty into the corner saw Thurrock set up a driving maul after another salmon-leap from Jennings.
Just as it appeared that the maul would continue to roll, the ball was slipped to Ben Timson who careered around the corner for the reward his intelligence had deserved.

Adventurous derring-do from the Thurrock backs almost led to Aminu breaking clear, before Clifford's pass to Cotter was just intercepted by the retreating defence.

Henry Bird was having his usual impact on the game with his strength and physicality. Eventually he would be used as a decoy as Fly half Dan Stone floated a clever pass into the waiting arms of Cotter. Acceleration and a perfectly weighted pass put Holloway in for, arguably, his best try. Stone added the extras before Stowmarket strove valiantly for a losing bonus point. Of this they were to be denied as Tom Wileman, Alex Jones and Sam Jennings had come on as "finishers". Nevertheless, a powerful run from the away side's blind side brought a consolation with Mann kicking a magnificent long range conversion.

Thurrock had continued their winning streak, showing not inconsiderable strength in depth as they move up the table.

Thurrock Ladies also continued to climb the Championship table after their 32-16 victory over visitors Henley.

This week Thurrock have another home fixture as they entertain old rivals, Woodford at Oakfield.