1st XV
Matches
Sat 12 Oct 2019  ·  London 1 South
Belsize Park
14
19
Thurrock RFC
1st XV
Tries: N Clifford, J Nunn, S ReillyConversions: J Barrand (2)Yellow Carded: C Russo
Thurrock get back to winning ways

Thurrock get back to winning ways

Ben Stanley14 Oct 2019 - 13:33
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Report by Ralph Henderson MBE

Thurrock held out for a plucky victory against newly-promoted Belsize Park at a rain-sodden Regent's Park pitch on Saturday.
There was a welcome return for former England Sevens star Sam Stanley and a debut for another ex William Edwards student Harry Ferguson as Thurrock set about getting their season back on track following recent defeats to the leagues top two sides in Westcombe Park & Camberley.

After a couple of early exchanges, punctuated by poor handling, Belsize Park went ahead through a penalty after a period of pressure and some good game management by the home side.

Thurrock came storming back and after a few attacking break-downs, Thurrock were able to camp in the Belsize half. A clever dummy and break from Dylan Fearon resulted in the New Zealander putting Niall Clifford into space. Clifford, enjoying his time at full-back, burst through a would be tackler to score the all-important try. Jake Barrand nailed the conversion from out wide.

Joss Nunn, making a welcome return after injury, was now starting to cause havoc with his running ability and he soon added Thurrock's second try. After breaching the opposition defence, he powered through to open up a lead that Thurrock were never to lose.

At the beginning of the second half, with conditions worsening, both teams struggled for continuity, but Belsize were able to exert pressure and with some line-out difficulties for Thurrock, they got back into the march. A series of misdemeanours led to a high number of penalties and a high degree of frustration for all.

After a long period of pressure, skipper Charlie Russo, broke out of a tackle and went on a mesmerising run. After side-stepping his way downfield, he passed inside to Joss Nunn who accelerated into the corner only to be halted by a fine cover tackle. Not to be denied, the tireless Sam Reilly was in support to earn an excellent touch-down and score his first ever try for Ts.

With Thurrock searching for a bonus point, it looked as if Sam Stanley's deft grubber kick would see Phill Ellis score, but still Belsize fought back. After yet another driving maul from the home side, Thurrock were penalised and Charlie Russo was "sent to the bin"! Belsize Park drove over to pick up a losing bonus point.

In many ways this was a disappointing game for Thurrock in terms of performance, but they have developed real pride and will be satisfied to take the points. With some more players returning from injury this week, they will hope to continue this upward trajectory.

Thurrock welcome another newly promoted side to Oakfield this Saturday as they face Horsham for the first time. Kick off is back to the usual time of 3pm

Match details

Match date

Sat 12 Oct 2019

Kickoff

14:00

Competition

London 1 South

League position

6
Belsize Park
9
Thurrock
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