Thurrock extended their stay at the top of Counties 1 Essex with a commanding 62–16 victory over East London at Oakfield.

The Ts combined early forward dominance with sharp, entertaining back play, and a memorable milestone performance from Nat Farrell, to secure another impressive league win.

Thurrock made their intentions clear from the outset.

A precise lineout and powerful drive allowed Jack Cowman to crash over for the game’s opening try, with Jake Barrand converting for a 7–0 lead in the 2nd minute.

East London responded with a penalty, but the Ts returned to the corner moments later and repeated the formula.
Another unstoppable rolling maul surged toward the line, and Cowman claimed his second to make it 12–3.

East London came back again though. With Ts on the attack once more, some quick thinking from East Londons fly half, saw him rip possession from Jake Jones and send his half back partner flying down the left wing for a fine score.

Thurrock then produced a steal of their own for the next score. A big hit by Captain, Jay Jennings allowed Caolan Watts-Adams the opportunity to rip the ball off the East London attacker. Sharp hands and quick movement found Barrand on the left wing. He weaved his way past his opposite man to finish out wide. He added the conversion to extend the lead to 19–8.

East London then showed their hand at lineout time with a well worked try, again in the cornet pulling the score back to 19–13.

A late second penalty brought the visitors even closer at 19–16, raising the pressure as the half entered its final moments.

But Ts struck a crucial blow. Turning again to their lineout strength, another rolling maul powered toward the line, and Ant Catchpole was the one to profit, finishing the half with a vital score.

Half-time: Thurrock 26–16 East London

Thurrock came out rejuvenated for the second half and soon turned the match into a showcase of power, skill, and clinical execution.

On his 200th appearance, Nat Farrell wasted little time adding to his personal tally.

Fluid handling by the backline found the veteran winger. He still had plenty to do as he powered past the East London defence to score.

His 2nd wasn't far off either. A fine break by Grant Scott, saw Ts spread the ball wide to Jake Barrand who to dived in the left hand corner. The referee deemed the final pass forward however. Luckily, Ts had penalty advantage and quick thinking from Barrand & Scott saw Nat in for his 2nd try of the game. Barrand added the touchline conversion.

Thurrock continued to play with flair, and the next score came from an intelligent moment of skill.

Darryl Worster spotted space and delivered a neat kick to forward, where Caolan Watts-Adams gathered superbly and finished out wide.

From the touchline once again, Barrand nailed the conversion, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Momentum fully swung in Thurrock’s favour, and another flowing attack followed.

This time it was Farrell, now everywhere in attack, who produced a classy offload to send Grant Scott over for a well-taken try.

The moment of the afternoon came shortly after as Farrell took advantage of broken play to weave through and complete a stunning hat-trick on his milestone appearance.

He then celebrated by performing a backflip, sending the Oakfield crowd into laughter and applause.

With Thurrock playing confidently and moving the ball with ease, one final sweeping move created space for Barrand to score his second try of the match.
He added the final conversion, sealing a complete team performance.

A combination of forward dominance, clinical finishing, and individual brilliance keeps Thurrock on top of Counties 1 Essex. All attention now shifts to next weekend’s top-of-the-table trip to Romford, a match that could play a major role in the league’s final standings.

3rd XV REPORT: Thurrock 42–7 King’s Cross Steelers

The 3rd XV capped off a strong weekend for the club with an excellent 42–7 victory over King’s Cross Steelers.

The day was especially significant as it marked Anthony Pease’s final game before he begins a new life in America. The 3s rose to the occasion with a spirited, cohesive performance — the perfect farewell for a popular and long-serving club figure.