Thurrock had to dig deep on Saturday to record their second away win of the season against a spirited Dartfordians side, coached by former Thurrock player Alex McWhinnie.

With the World Cup starting in Japan and some amazing games being played out on wonderfully verdant pastures, this game was poles apart as both teams struggled on an arid, concrete-like surface of a parks pitch!

Dartfordians opened the scoring in the first minute when Thurrock conceded an offside penalty direct from the kick off, the home side kicker easily converting the kick for a 3 point lead. Dartfordians continued to use their home advantage to the full, and almost got the first try of the afternoon following a scything break from their full-back that Ts managed to bring to a halt.

Thurrock tried to utilise Rob Murphy to get over the gainline and after one arrowing run, Thurrock were able to re-cycle and Jake Barrand sprinted in to the corner to open Thurrock's account. Now, briefly Thurrock began to string together a series of attacks, but in spite of a few penalty opportunities wrre unable to add to their score.

Dartfordians came storming back and after a failed interception, Thurrock were reduced to 14 when Dan Ulph was given a 10 minute respite from the referee. Not for the first time, Thurrock lost the initiative. Dartfordians continued with their tactic of keeping the game tight and after another drive increased the score. Dartfordians went into the break 13-5 up and Thurrock knew they needed to improve.

The second half though started much like the first and Dartfordians were the ones to control the match adding 2 more well worked tries to extend their lead to 25-5 with half an hour left to play. Thurrock coach, Martin Jones made a couple of tactical changes and suddenly the Thurrock backs started to make inroads into the opposition defence. After a battering charge by Henry Bird, first Darryl Worster and then Niall Clifford made strong penetrating runs before being rewarded with another try from arch finisher Jake Barrand.

Nevertheless, with just 15 minutes remaining Thurrock were still 13 points adrift and looked like facing a second loss in successive weeks. However, suddenly, the desire returned and a sharp incision by Worster sent Kye Holloway away. Bursting from the blocks, the explosive runner left his opposite number flat-footed to end with a fine finish. A few minutes later an identical move was only thwarted by an alleged forward pass and it looked as if the game was up!

With their indomitable spirit at least giving them a chance,Thurrock threw everything into attack and once again, the Dartford defence was ripped open by Holloway's pace. The winger crossed again to leave the score 25-24 to the home side, but up stepped the unflappable Jake Barrand to convert and put Thurrock into the lead for the first time! The conversion brought Barrand to within 50 points of the 1000 mark in the Black & White hoops.

The game wasn't completely over, however with Dartford just missing two late penalties. It had been a plucky performance from the home side belying their lowly league position.

Thurrock, currently without 13 squad members through injury or unavailability, will undoubtedly grow stronger, but need to be in a position to strike at the top of the table. They went home, happy at the result, but knowing there is much to be done if they are to strive for promotion this season.

Next Saturday, Thurrock travel to Kent once again as they visit the early league leaders, Westcombe Park. Kick off is at 3pm.