SECONDS WIN CLOSE BATTLE WITH SOUTH WOODHAM

With 7 changes from last week's starting 15, it was always going to be a tough day against a big, strong South Woodham side. Thurrock dominated the first 15 minutes of the match, with front rowers Taylor, Jamie and Ant carrying well, but they failed to get on the scoreboard and after 19 minutes the visitors scored against the run of play to make score 0-5, the conversion missed.
Thurrock fought back and scored a good team try through full back Dan O'Flaherty, with the ball going through the hands of centres Ben Madden and Sam Taylor; the conversion missed by scrum half Dave Harries to make the score 5-5 after 33 minutes. Thurrock's blend of experience and youth took the game to South Woodham at every opportunity, the visitors showed real grit in defence.
South Woodham pressured Thurrock at the end of the first half, but failed to turn pressure into points and failed with one penalty kick attempt. Tackles from wingers Ahmed Aminu and Ian Farrell were notable for their ferocity, while the back row of Remy Seakins, Dean Munke and Christian Cunningham-Wood hunted together effectively.

The away side pressured again after half time, scoring in the corner, but failing with the conversion to make the score 5-10 to Woodham after 45 minutes. Thurrock lost experienced stand-off Darryl Worster to a dislocated shoulder and hooker Dan Ulph came on at centre to cover. Paul Cooper came on for prop Taylor Bramley and shortly after, Caolan Watt-Adams swapped with Dan Ulph and went to fly half. Thurrock used their increasing forward dominance to devastating effect and after several successful line-outs drove towards the Woodham line for Dave Harries to score, Caolan Watt-Adams kicking the conversion; Thurrock 12 South Woodham 10, after 60 minutes.
After a fine performance, pack leader and tight head Ant Pease was subbed by Matthew Murphy and the Thurrock pack were now starting to dominate every engagement. After several line-outs, with debutante lock Tom Travers dominant and hooker Jamie Hulse throwing accurately, No 8 Dean Munke controlled well at the back of a 5 metre attacking scrum and dotted down to make the score 17-10 after 72 minutes.
The Thurrock forwards continued to dominate and with some excellent kicking out of hand by Caolan Watt-Adams dictated the play in Woodham territory until the final whistle.

A special mention must go to lock Billy Ellis, who turned out a focused and determined performance, experienced scavenger Dean Munke, along with man of the match Jamie Hulse, contributing to a colossal forward effort. Credit to all involved, a monumental effort.