Hayley, 15, started the day by winning the 60m hurdles and jumping 1cm short of her personal best (PB) in the high jump. Good performances in the Long Jump and Shot Putt left her in second place going into the last event: the 800 metres where an inspired Hayley beat her rival by 12 seconds and gain the gold in a PB of 3291 points that puts her at No 1 in the UK.

Hayley’s day was complete when she was presented with her gold by world champion Jessica Ennis.

The only problem for Aveley is the glut of games. Leatherhead face them in the League Cup semi final on thursday, followed by more league games on saturday and tuesday.

Full report on match to follow.

Thurrock suffered their second consecutive defeat and a big blow to their play off ambitions. Their performance was much better than the recent visit to Bath City and could have won the game in the first half but the accuracy and creativity of their forwards failed to penetrate the Braintree defence.

Paul Olima in a strikers role today came close to opening the score in the 17th minute, Thurrock worked the ball down the left and the through ball to Olima found him on the edge of the box, he turned inside a struck the ball firmly goal bound, keeper Craig Holloway was more in the way than actually saving the shot as the ball rebounded off his arm and against the post and out for a corner.

Braintree took the lead against the run of play when Kenny Clark tried to clear an incoming cross, the ball went high into the night sky and Thurrock keeper Joe Woolley came out to collect/punch but his attempt was mistimed as he was challenged by Sean Marks. The ball came from Marks head and rolled conveniently across the goal line.

Thurrock responded in a positive way and levelled the scores just three minutes later, this time a break from defence found Lee Flynn and Fola Orilonishe working the ball down the left flank. Orilonishe weaved his way into space and fired over his cross which was met by Olima’s head and the ball soared into the top of the net.

The game continued at a frenzied pace in the second half and the action was cycling from end to end. On 65 minutes another piece of poor defending by Thurrock allowed George Purcell to strike home the winner. It started with a corner, the ball was bouncing around the area and it was Purcell who was the quickest to react and score with what was to be the winning goal.

Despite throwing on all three substitutes and pushing more men forward Thurrock had little effect trying to breach the stubborn Braintree defence.

Thurrock travel to St Albans City on Saturday, for their third of eight games to be played in March. It’s not been a good start of the month, manager Hakan Hayrettin is still upbeat of reaching the play offs but needs to find a strike force that will get the goals flowing again.

It wasn’t long before Fly Half Ben Madden made a fine individual effort, handing off five tacklers, before crashing over under the posts, duly converted by Scrum Half Aaron Burns. With Tees forwards dominating every facet of play, including the formidable combination of Keefe, Keefe Jnr and Pease in the front row of the scrum, Tees won a scrum against the head and No. 8 Dan Kemp, scooped up the ball and dashed the fifty metres to outpace the defence and score under the posts.

With Tees leading 19-0 the home side picked themselves up and, led by the Fly Half Jim Moore, took a quick penalty and ran wide, passed some languid tackling, to score for a deserved try. Thurrock immediately retaliated with forward pressure at a scrum close to Chingford’s line, which resulted in a push over try for Lee Herrington. Chingford again attacked Thurrock and crossed the Tees line for their second but, the final word was left for Tees Ali MacDonald, who showed his class by first outpacing the defence, to chip ahead and recollect to go over out wide and effectively seal the game.

A fine display from the whole side, with Adam Towler, Paul McCarthy, Rees Collins and Karl Warren deserving a special mention for sound performances.

After the recent disappointing result to East London, Thurrock needed to bounce back against Saffron Walden this week to keep themselves in the promotion race. And bounce back they did.

Right from the first whistle Thurrock put the Saffron Walden defence under pressure, and it was not long before Jacob Agoro opened the scoring. Thurrock utterly dominated the early play and could have easily been further ahead before the home side got themselves back in the game with an equaliser due to poor defensive marking in the midfield.

Thurrock was back ahead soon after when Andre Rudder ran the ball deep into attack and laid off to Matt Gautt who had made excellent position inside the circle. They continued to dominate offensively and another flicked goal from Agoro as well as a rebound opportunity pounced on by Andre Rudder gave Thurrock breathing space.

Andrew Sargeant stood strong alongside Luke Danbrook who was welcomed back into defence. Despite their best efforts and some outstanding saves by goal keeper Keith Mager, making his debut, more poor defensive marking in the midfield enabled Saffron to stay in touch with the Thurrock side.

The highlight of the day was Man of the Match Matt Gaut who ran the Saffron defence off their feet with two more brilliantly worked goals. The last not only sealing his hat trick by also bringing up his thirtieth goal for the season, an outstanding return for the hard running striker.

It was a superb attacking game from Thurrock who completely overwhelmed their opponents to run out eventual 6-3 winners.

Thurrock take on Crostyx next weekend at home with push back at 2 pm.

Mens III
OLD LOUGHTONIANS ACADEMY 1 v 3 THURROCK III

Thurrock were fired up for this NE14HOCKEY sponsored Division 9 game and went ahead after only five minutes when a cross by Liam Birch was collected by Michael Fleming and hammered past the keeper. Loughts were spurred into action and came back strongly, however Thurrock ’s defence marshalled by Chris Smith held firm. Thurrock regained the upper hand and a strong run on the right by Lawrence Smith pulled the Loughts’ defence wide before passing to Lawrence Jackson who quickly moved the ball on for Jimmy Venus to add to Thurrock’s score.

Soon afterwards Jackson was unlucky to put his shot inches wide from a pass by Venus. Thurrock continued to play the better hockey and Fleming made the score 3-0 when he intercepted a pass and dribbled into the area before smashing the ball into the net. Loughtonians began to get more into the game and forced a series of short corners, however keeper Andy Gaut, despite carrying an injury, made some good saves to ensure that Thurrock reached half time without conceding. In the second half, the home team increased their strength with a couple of substitutions and pressed forward.

After 10 minutes a skilful pass allowed the speedy forward to collect the ball on the Thurrock 25 metre line and move into the D before flicking the ball into the net. Thurrock were in no mood to give up and increased their effort with Man of the Match Oliver Smith making some decisive tackles on the right to restrict the attacking threat. Loughts had most of the play but were unable to dominate a determined Thurrock side as Sam Webb held firm at right back to cut out a string of attacks and clear the ball up the field and ensure that Thurrock inflicted the first defeat of the season on the home team.

Next week Thurrock play Romford at Palmers 12.30 start.

With just eleven games to go, Grays are on a measly eighteen points, nine points behind second from bottom Forest Green Rovers and fourteen points from safety.

Boss Julian Dicks has indicated that the team are preparing for life in the Conference South and will be going part time next season.

Problems are further compounded by the goalposts shifting somewhat regarding where the team will be playing next season.

Later last year the club announced that they had reached an agreement to stay at the New Rec for two more years but last week announced that they were in emergency discussions as to where they can play next year.

Relationships with the local community hit another low when the Chairman of the Supporters Trust, John Taylor resigned after, according to sources, being subjected to a barrage of foul mouthed abuse by the new owner of the club, Andy Swallow.

The club were also forced to take down a statement on their new website that threatened under-performing players with physical violence.

Wasps will always be exceptionally well organised but the strength of the second team always depends on if and where the First Team are playing in the Premiership. This time their Full Back had been capped 50 times for England.

The T-Birds started brightly and initially looked the better team. The pack were dominant in scrum and lineout, but due mainly to the very young age and lack of experience at this level, were following the recent pattern of not taking that dominance through to open play.

Taking a scrum against the head on half way, T’s attacked wide and right before going into touch. Then taking the lineout against the throw, Dannie Harris was put away to attack the same channel only to be cut down 10 meters short of the line. This time good rucking gave quick ball and the T’s backline were unstoppable with Kerry Jacks crashing over for her first T-Birds try. 10 minutes, 0-5.

The rest of the first half was relatively uneventful, both sides having good periods of pressure, but both defences holding well with no further scores.

The Wasps team talk at half time really must have been something else.

A missed tackle in midfield let them set up camp on the T’s line and despite desperate defence and a couple of turnovers, Ts just could not get the ball away.

Finally a quick tap from a dubious penalty let their big second row crash over the line. 5 minutes into the half and 5-5.

The next 20 minutes were a repeat of the first half war of attrition. Plenty of attacks and pressure from both sides matched by resolute defence with maybe T’s just shading it and it looked like the next score would win the game.

Then T’s pack woke up. Driving a maul over 30 meters T’s set up stall in the Wasps 22 and applied a long period of pressure. Penalty followed penalty but Wasps just managed to keep T’s away from the line.

Finally from another dominant scrum, Tammy Nichols picked up at No 8 and moved the ball wide to Dannie Harriss who’s speed carried her over in the corner. 5-10 with 15 minutes to go and the game looked won.

With title hopes fading Wasps really stepped up a gear in the dying seconds of normal time they again got through the T’s midfield and were awarded a penalty on the 5 meter line in the left corner. The first attack was cut down just in front of the posts, but quick ball from the ruck allowed their second row to claim her brace in the right corner. 42 minutes on the clock and 10-10.

With the Ref calling 3 minutes T’s gave it everything, attacking from the kick off they were awarded a penalty 30 meters out in front of the posts. Laura Kavanagh’s kick was straight but crucially just short and Wasps cleared the ball to touch.

With time still not up Ts gave it one last attack, Dannie Harriss again getting away down the right flank only to be put into touch just short.

The final whistle and a 10-10 draw did nothing for the title hopes of either team. The maths are too close to call and will rely entirely on bonus points in other games.

T’s now finish the Season with 2 home games at Oakfield, Rosslyn Park on 21st March and Blackheath again on 28th March which still might just be the title decider.

Hurry, who started his Speedway career as a 16 year old with the Hammers, returns to the Essex based Club this season. He will join the Club’s Community Manager by making a personal appearance at the opening of a new store close to the Hammers Raceway.

On Friday 12th March the pair will be at the opening of a new Chelmsford Star Cooperative Society store in South Ockendon. The store, which will be known as the S. Ockendon Cooperative, is situated at 3-4 Canterbury Parade, South Ockendon, Essex RM15 6NH and they will be there at 10am.

This is not the first occasion that the Hammers and the Chelmsford Star Cooperative Society have worked together as they were involved in some joint initiatives last season.

Over the course of the forthcoming season Mark Sexton will be getting out in the community not only at schools but also several other sporting clubs and youth groups.

The season gets underway at their Arena-Essex Raceway on Friday 19th March at 8pm when they face local rivals, the Ipswich Witches, in a Challenge match.

Thurrock were crowned league champions after this emphatic victory over second placed rivals Sudbury at a well supported Oakfield. The home support had been expecting a tense affair, with the expectancy of a victory to win the league, also to avenge their only league loss away at Sudbury in November. Winning the toss and electing to play against a stiff bitterly cold breeze, the players had different ideas, after soaking up a spell of early Sudbury pressure which failed to make any scoring opportunities.

Thurrock began to run their way out of trouble with hard earned yards being made by both the back row and centres. They took complete control of the game and from a fine catch and drive Ben Timson went over to score wide out, minutes later a similar move on the other side of the park, this time Stefan North was the player to score. Jamie Reid went close with both efforts in difficult conditions.

Thurrock continued to press and again the forwards took the mantle of a fine drive, this time however full back Darryl Worster was on hand to score again wide out, this Reid added the conversion. It was now Thurrock at their effervescant best and from a defensive scrum close to the Sudbury posts Ben Timson intercepted a pass from the base of the scrum to score his second try of the afternoon under the posts, Earl Gorman converted to lead 24-0. Sudbury at last got onto the scoreboard with a long range penalty, but T’s bounced straight back and it was the home side playmaker fly half Ian Rudgely who jinked his way over from good ball provided by the forwards from a well won line-out, allowing him space to score, Gorman added the extra’s. The final few minutes of the first half, Thurrock seemed to take their foot of the gas, and started to give away a few penalties, just on the stroke of half time they were punished when a set move from a five yard line out gave Sudbury a try, the conversion went wide.

The second half Thurrock continued to dominate the game although Sudbury tried to change tactics and slow the game down, it turned a bit scrappy, with a player from either side going to the bin, but Thurrock stretched their when Earl Gorman stormed over to score, his conversion hit the post. Thurrock looked the more likely to score and from a line out move; Ben Timson went over for his third try of the afternoon. Earl Gorman was again on hand to finish off a fine move to score under the posts and then add the conversion.

Thurrock just could not notch any further points to take them past the 50 mark, the referees whistle blew for full time for Thurrock to record their first promotion as Champions for 19 years, celebrations began for all, the management team of coaches Mike Wilkins and Jamie Daisley, manager Kevin Hymas and Director of Rugby Dave Pavitt had reached their target of promotion with 4 games still to go.

Team Darryl Worster, James Reid ,Earl Gorman, Ben Stanley,Nathan Farrell, Ian Rudgely, Andy Eaton, Stefan North, Dan Carey, Ben Partridge, Andy Kettleton, Aaron Woodward, Rob Batho, Ben Timson, Brad Rettigan Rep: Sam Porter, Dave Stevens, Luke Crowhurst

This Week Thurrock a well earned week off, they resume league action on 20th March when they visit Chelmsford, kick off 3pm at Coronation Park

Thurrock started well, with Danny Kearney kicking very well out of hand at fly half, repeatedly pinning Old Brentwoods back in their own half. It was from a line out and a huge forward drive of some 35 metres, that veteran back row Steve Fox finally opened the scoring. Thurrock then had most of the play, but conceeded a converted try when Old B’s broke through in the backs and scored under the posts. Old B’s then broke through again, as their fast, organised backs took control and scored  a converted try. However, the Thurrock forwards immediately hit back and took the game by the scruff of the neck and scored a wondereful flowing try straight from the KO. Steve Fox caught the ball from the KO and with excellent interplay amongst the forwards, drove up the pitch for second row Tony Millsom to score. Excellent defending by wings Blaine Daly and Spike Adams kept Thurrock in the game and Thurrock turned round 14 – 10 down at half time with all to play for.

Thurrock then introduced several pairs of fresh legs to the game, bringing on Jack Galley at back row, Phil Brookes at prop and debutante Oliver Harrison on the wing. Thurrock kept pressurising the Old B’s line, but failed to score tries. However, from one infringememt, centre Matt Whyman put over a penalty, giving Olb B’s a slight lead at 14 – 13. Unfortunately, Thurrock themselves transgressed at a maul and were penalised, giving old B’s an easy penalty, leaving the score at 17 – 13. Thurrock now began an all out assault on the Old B’s line, but looking like they would loose out yet again to a team much higher in the League.

From a Thurrock penalty in the Old B’s 22, the referree told all it was the last play, but Thurrock had time for the resulting 5 metre line out. Thurrock were obviously going to try to drive over from here if there was time. From this line out, Old B’s transgressed by pulling the maul down and another penalty was awarded. Quick thinking debutante scrum half Ben Gray took the quick tap penalty from 5 yards out and, with the Old B’s pack still retreating, scored a most deserved individual try, dragging 4 Old B’s players over with him. The try went unconverted, giving Thurrock the narrowest, but most deserved of wins 17 – 18.

Man of the match was back row Frank Monk, who was the main line out jumper of the day, who turned 50 the day before, (Friday) and who also won many turn over balls in the rucks and mauls.

In front of a freezing crowd of just 112, Rod Stringer’s men engaged in a match full of error and awkwardness from both sides. But Aveley looked by far the better side. Good wide ball play leading to intelligent passing could have put them three nil up by half time.

Martin Tuohy scored his seventeenth league goal of the season in the first half from close range. Ashford equalised with a scrappy goal from a corner before Junior Dadson grabbed the winner with a lovely lob over the keeper from thirty yards.

But the home side held on for a vital three points in what will be an important part of the season for Rod Stringer’s team with some big games coming up. On tuesday night Aveley travel to strugglers Waltham Abbey before big games against Bognor Regis Town and Cray Wanderers.

I just wonder where the support for local football is heading. The crowd here today at Mill Field was reportedly the lowest for two seasons. Why though? Grays and Thurrock were both away as was Dagenham and Redbridge. West Ham were at home but even so. A lovely afternoon , a reasonable standard of football and no one there to see it apart from Aveley’s new drummer and his ten mates who sang throughout!

Apologies for no film this week as my machine ate the tape
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Dockers boss Graham Chester with selection concerns ahead of the game, regular defender Daniel Smith not available, Chris Stowe carrying an injury and are ruled out, Nathan Gordon recovering from a hamstring is named on the bench but unlikely to take part.

The game kicked off in the bright spring sunshine, it was the Dockers that showed their intentions first, in the 6th minute, the experienced Lee Hodges did well to bring a high ball under control and almost in one smooth sweeping movement – tried a looping effort from 25 yards, and can only watch in anguish as the ball dropped into the top netting of the Concord goal.

Twenty minutes in and the game became a midfield tussle. The Dockers had more of the possession without really threatening the visitor’s goal.

Twenty three minutes into the game and Concord score. Paul Shave found space down the right hand-side, as he swung the ball into the box and to the feet of Kayan Kalipha, Kalipha with his back to goal, turned his defender and picked his spot into the far corner of the net, 1-0 to Concord.

The game continued to be battled in midfield, neither side threatened as the game rolls into the break.

Into the second period and once again the Dockers have much of the possession, but failed to breakdown a solid wall of yellow shirt’s.

64 minutes gone and the Dockers pull level from a corner kick taken by Joe Keith. Jarred Small looked for the short ball, at the same time took two Concord defenders out with him, Keith then decided to loop the ball into the box, Paul Shave tried to connect by the ball spins off the legs of Concord’s substitute Liam Hopkins and into the net, 1-1.

Another clumsy challenge by Paul Shave, who was already on a yellow card, gives the Dockers a free kick 30 yards out from the Concord goal, the kick quickly taken, resulted in a long range effort by Lee Hodges which sails inches just over the bar.

Concord look quick on the counter, Danny Heal up front for the visitors always a threat, as he nods just wide of the post.

77 minutes and Tilbury made their second substitute, Lee Hodges off for Bradley Barnes.

As the game ticked into injury time, the Dockers finished the game the stronger of the two sides and were unlucky not to steal all three points, after the ball was driven in to the box and across goal, a sliding effort by Joel Barnett who was only inches away from connecting from close range in the 6 yard area.

The game well marshaled by the experienced match official Mr. Baker, a weaker referee would have struggled to contain two highly committed teams that were both going for the win.

The Dockers next game is at home to league leaders Lowestoft Town on Thursday 11th March – kick off at 7:45pm.
Man of the Match



Jamie Wallace – Tilbury’s Captain and an inspiration.

Tilbury : Andy Hall, Joe Keith, Glen Golby, Jamie Wallace (Capt), Donny Barnard, Chris Taylor, Christian Wheeler, Lee Hodges, Manlee Brown, Jarred Small, Ben Bradbury, Substitutes, Nathan Gordon, Joel Barnett, Bradley Barnes, Chris Nwosu, Andy Gibbs.

Concord Rangers : Dale Brightly, Ashley Miller, Danny Glazier, Paul Shave, John Easterford, Steve King, Michael Begg, Nicky Cowley (Capt),Kayan Kalipha, Danny Heal, Dave Collins, Substitutes, Liam Hopkins, Taylor Sinfield, Lee Williams, Joao Carlos, Jake Buckfield.

Match Officials
Referee: Mr N. Baker
1st Assistant: Mr J. Macey
2nd Assistant: Mr G. Marley

Att: 78