1st XV
Matches
Sat 07 Sep 2019  ·  London 1 South
Cobham
16
29
Thurrock RFC
1st XV
Tries: C Shorter, C RussoConversions: J Barrand (2)Penalties: J Barrand (5)Yellow Carded: R Wilkins
Thurrock open Season with a Win!!

Thurrock open Season with a Win!!

Chris Emerson13 Sep 2019 - 19:35
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Report by Ralph Henderson MBE

Thurrock kicked off their campaign in London One South with an outstanding win against highly fancied Cobham on Saturday.

A fine pre-season had left Thurrock unbeaten with excellent victories over Westcliff, Sudbury and London Welsh, but this away game was the real "acid test". Winning away from home is always difficult in any sport, but is inevitably the key to promotion and this was a positive outcome which augurs well for the future months.

With the Rugby World Cup only a couple of weeks away, everybody is searching for a big opening month and Thurrock certainly continued the momentum from pre-season.

Cobham has a strong history having produced a string of International players over the past few years including England stars Jack Clifford, Alex Corbisiero and the USA's Madison Hughes. An expectant crowd and fine conditions greeted both teams and it was home side that made the brighter start. Cobham began promisingly, using a strong breeze to their advantage. They dominated territory in the early stages and were rewarded with a penalty from Tom Farrelly to open the scoring.

Both sides were showing plenty of endeavour and commitment but the scoreboard wasn't troubled again until late in the half. Thurrock's scrummage showed signs of cranking up the pressure on Cobham's pack with Dan Carey, Chris Shorter and former Campion school mates, Caolan Watts-Adams and Dan Ulph to the fore.

An incisive strike move initiated by outstanding Kiwi 10, Dylan Fearon almost brought a first Thurrock try, but the Cobham fly-half powered over from a scrum close to the Thurrock line. Farrelly failed to convert from wide out.

Thurrock's response was almost immediate. When Cobham fumbled from the kick off, Thurrock's pack drove through several phases until the outstanding Chris Shorter charged over in what, no doubt will go down as one of the "tries of the season"! A successful conversion by Jake Barrand cut the deficit to a single point but Farrelly responded with a second penalty on the stroke of half-time which restored Cobham's advantage to 11-7.

A Jake Barrand penalty opened Thurrock's second half account before two scores in quick succession gave Tees control of the contest. A magnificent penalty from over 50 metres by Barrand secured the lead. Next from the restart , Man of the match, Tom Pool, went on a mazy run and after a series of steps and dummies drove deep into the Cobham half. After some serious pressure, skipper Charlie Russo crashed over for the decisive try close to the posts. Jake Barrand added the extras and suddenly the away side moved to a strong lead.

Cobham failed to capitalise on a period of territory deep within the Thurrock 22. Ryan Wilkins who had an impressive tackle count, was sent to the bin and this led to sustained pressure. Nevertheless Thurrock's fighting spirit and "never say die " attitude helped them hold out.

Two more Barrand penalties, including another from behind half way saw the score move to 11-26 .
An unconverted try from close range by Max MacDonald gave the hosts hope of a fight back, but then some uncompromising defence from the powerful Henry Bird and Niall Clifford thwarted the danger.

As Thurrock launched yet another attack with an astute kick, Dylan Fearon was felled by a high tackle and his assailant shown a yellow card. With Thurrock once again in the ascendancy, Barrand kicked his fifth & final penalty of the day to seal a much deserved victory.

Head Coach Martin Jones said "It is never easy winning away, but this was a real boost to our confidence at the beginning of a new season. I was particularly pleased with the way the younger players have come through and the cohesiveness of the squad. With a new Rugby Academy opening at Palmer's College(USP) the future looks bright for Thurrock."

Thurrock return to Oakfield this week as they face off against Promotion hopefuls Medway, looking to avenge the two defeats they suffered against them last season. Kick off is at 3pm.

Match details

Match date

Sat 07 Sep 2019

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

London 1 South

League position

7
Thurrock
9
Cobham
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

1st XV Sponsor - Hills Prospect
Club Sponsor - Hughes & Associates Property Services Ltd
Club Sponsor - Ream Partnership
Partner - Impulse Leisure
Partner - Andrew Bellamy / Briggs Mechanical
Player Sponsor - Ascalon Building Services
Club Sponsor - Everyday Ltd
Partner - Hughes & Associates FM Ltd
Partner - Village Indiya
Main Sponsor - Colin Rate / Rates Ford
Partner - Jason Bedding / Trunk Logistics
Partner - David Graham / Wrightsure Insurance