THIS was an important game for both teams lying 3rd and 4th in East Division 8 South East. From the start the game was played at high tempo with both teams having chances. Midway through the first half the skilful Saffron Walden forward weaved through the Thurrock defence and as keeper Danny Hick came out to narrow the angle, he slipped it into the net.

Thurrock worked hard and Jimmy Venus was unlucky to see his shot from the edge of the area hit the outside of the post. Thurrock made a couple of changes at half time and soon levelled the score when Ricky Smith made a run up the right before crossing for Michael Fleming to beat the keeper from close range. The game continued at high pace and both defences were worked hard to maintain parity. Eventually the visitors added to their score from a well-taken short corner which just evaded the diving stick of Danny Hick.

With 10 minutes to go Fleming weaved through and drew the keeper before passing for Jimmy Venus to shoot. The ball was stopped illegally but Venus levelled from the penalty spot. Thurrock worked hard to add to their score and avenge the 6-3 defeat earlier in the season but the Walden defence held firm. In the final minute, a quickly taken free hit from the edge of the area allowed the speedy forward to nip in and score leaving Thurrock no time to come back.

Thurrock faced a strong Southend team who were determined to avenge their 4-0 defeat at Palmers earlier in the season. The Thurrock defence were under heavy pressure from the start but held strong until midway through the half when a defensive mix-up allowed the speedy attacker to score from close range.

Soon after Southend added a second from a short corner. Thurrock battled but failed to penetrate a solid defence in which the keeper made some telling saves. In the second half Thurrock reorganised their formation to strengthen their midfield and it quickly provided results when a through ball from Himesh Patel allowed Michael Fleming to drive into the D and flick past the keeper.

Within minutes a shot by Fleming was saved by the keeper but Dave Everett seized on the rebound to level the score. Southend worked hard and drove forward in numbers to reclaim the lead however strong tackling by Declan Salmon backed up by a string of outstanding saves by Danny Hick kept them out. A hit out by Salmon was quickly moved up the field by Josh Brody who then passed to Jimmy Venus whose dribbled through the defence before hitting a shot from the edge of the area which left the keeper rooted to the spot.

Buoyed by this lead Thurrock drove forward with Ricky Smith weaving through the Southend defence before slipping the ball to the right allowing Fleming to get his second goal. Southend fought back and forced Thurrock to make a series of desperate clearances. Eventually a rising reverse stick shot from the edge of the area flew into the top of the net past the diving Hick’s stick. Southend continued to pile on the pressure but Thurrock were in no mood to be beaten and held firm to claim the points.

This Saturday the Thirds are home to Saffron Walden 6 at 2 pm

With Thurrock’s run of injuries taking its toll on first team players and Crostyx heavily strengthening their second team this was always going to be a tight game. Thurrock started the brighter of the two teams having some excellent chances but the striking trio of Matt Gaut, Christian Jenkins and returning Captain Steve Abbott just could not convert them. As the game went on Crostyx became stronger and won two short corners and converted them both to put the home side 2–0 up. Thurrock finished the first half under pressure but Gary Ginsburgh, Tommy Ing and Luke Danbrook stayed strong to hold out until half time.

After a stern team talk Thurrock came out fighting in the second half, the midfield of Kyle Taylor and Nick Stapleton worked hard and it started to pay off. Tees were awarded a short corner and Matthew Gaut drag flicked the ball into the top corner to put the away side back into contention. Thurrock then kept on pressing and putting the opposition under pressure but just could not find the finishing touch. With the last move of the game some slick passing between Dec Millane and Matt Gaut allowed Millane to square the ball for captain and man of the match Steve Abbott to score his first goal of the season to put the two teams level.
On Saturday Thurrock face Wapping at Palmers, 12.30 pm start

Mens 2

COLCHESTER III 3 – 1 THURROCK MENS II

Thurrock had the best of the opening 15 minutes and did not allow Colchester to put any attacks together but with most of the possession they could not find a way through the Colchester defence. It was the home side that did start the scoring with a breakaway goal that stunned the Thurrock side, the goal gave the home side confidence and it was now wave after wave of attacks but some fine saves from captain Keith Mager and defending from Sam Webb frustrated the attackers. Just before half time Michael Hewing converted a short corner to bring the scores back level with a unstoppable strike. Both teams looked to take the lead in the second half and both had chances to do that but it was Colchester that scored two goals in the last 10 minutes to take all three points.

This Saturday Mens II are home to Wapping VI at Palmers, 2 pm start

Mens 3

THURROCK MENS III 4 – 2 BRENTWOOD VI

Thurrock started this East Division 8SE game with only 10 men and found themselves behind in the first minute when a defensive mix-up allowed the Brentwood forward to run unchallenged into the area and shoot past Danny Hick. Once they were at full strength, Thurrock began to link passes together and Michael Fleming collected a pass from Himesh Patel and dribbled through the defence before slipping the ball past the advancing keeper. A threatening attack by Brentwood was cut out by Declan Salmon and the ball was hit out to Freddy Taylor who made a speedy run on the right before passing inside to Jimmy Venus who hammered the ball into the net.

A half time substitution saw Lawrence Jackson play his first game of the season and within 5 minutes he made an impact by collecting a pass from Josh Bridges and weaving through the Brentwood defence before flicking into the roof of the net. Thurrock were dominating the game and the Brentwood keeper was forced into a string of acrobatic saves to prevent further score. Mid way through the half, a breakaway by Brentwood led to the award of a short corner. The shot was stopped but crept over the line to the dismay of the Thurrock defence. Thurrock worked hard and a tackle from Ethan Pinion on the
Thurrock 25 metre line led to the ball being quickly slipped to Dave Everett who played a one-two with Josh Bridges before passing wide to Freddy Taylor who beat the full back and cut into the D and passed to Fleming who scored to make the final score 4-2.

The Thirds are away to Southend III on Saturday at 4 pm

Minis

Thurrock Hockey Club’s Mini section were back at Palmers College on Sunday 22nd January playing in their fifth tournament of the 2011/2012 season. Combining with Southend Minis the Under 10 and Under 12 boys and girls teams played counterparts from Brentwood, Maldon and Witham hockey clubs. There were strong competitive games in all sections, in the Under 10’s the girls three results were a draw and two wins 1-0, 0-0 and 3-0 the scorers were Daniel 1 (kindly helping the girls in the first game) Annabel 1 and Claudia 2. The Under 10 boys also drew one and won two of their games 0-0, 2-0 and 4-0 in the last game with a strong performance overwhelming Brentwood. The scorers for the boys were Jamie Speers 2 , Ben Bridger 2, Tömas Eastwood 1 and again but this time for the boys Daniel 1 (so 2 in total).

This was a very physical game in East Division 8SE with both teams desperate for points to maintain their push for promotion. The game moved rapidly from end to end with both keepers being forced to make strong saves. Mid way through the half an attack by Colchester was cut out by Declan Salmon and the ball moved rapidly up the field to Jimmy Venus who dribbled through the defence before passing for Ricky Smith to slip the ball inside the post.

Despite heavy pressure, the Thurrock defence held strong to maintain the lead up to half time. A reorganisation by the home side led to them attacking strongly and equalising after 10 minutes. Buoyed by their success, Colchester dominated the game and Thurrock were forced to defend in numbers with Danny Hick having to pull off a number of athletic saves. Thurrock gradually worked their way back into the game and Josh Brody made a break on the left before crossing into the D to Venus whose shot went inches wide.

A strong run from half way by Michael Fleming led to a shot which the keeper had to dive full length to push around the post. When Venus received was dismissed for decent, Thurrock were slow to reorganise and Colchester took full advantage to take the lead. Thurrock were then reduced to 9 men as Fleming received a yellow card for aggression and had to pull everyone back to try to repel the incessant Colchester attacks. Although Thurrock worked hard with Salmon making a string of outstanding clearances, the task proved too much and with 5 minutes to go, Colchester added a 3rd goal.

Ladies 3

Redbridge 2 – 2 Thurrock Ladies 3rds

The ladies started the game with 10 players and very quickly showed immense determination and skill that caused an experienced Redbridge team to call upon all of their reserves to keep a clean sheet. Emma Grant and Sue Beardwell worked excellently together and caused ‘mayhem’ for the opposition. Nicky Smith supported the attack well and was unlucky not to score.

Thurrock regained one player and then after reshuffling were so unlucky to go one goal down from a well worked short corner. Just before half time T’s numbers swelled to 12. This timely arrival spurred on the team and a well won ball by Grace Millane put Amy Beadle into an excellent position to deftly pass to captain Jackie Simmonds who fired in a shot only to see it saved but Simmonds picked up the clearance and fired home to bring the score to 1-1.

The second half was equally thrilling and end to end hockey was played in good spirits. The ladies found themseleves a goal behind again but to their credit the defence was solid with player of the match Abbie Pollock thwarting so many of the Redbridge attacks. T’s were rewarded when Simmonds took a free hit quickly catching the defence ’napping’ and slipped the ball through to Chloe Brady who neatly placed the ball past the stranded keeper.

Ladies are looking strong and the team spirit is exceptional !

EAST LONDON 1 – 3 THURROCK I

Going into the winter break the Tees knew this was a must win game against a team who are always strong. With a depleted squad two players stepped up from the Seconds and with dogged determination earnt their spots.

The game started with both teams hitting each other on the counter attack with the Tee’s free flowing passing coming from Dan O’Shaughnessy, Ben Knowles, Sandeep Gahir and Andre Rudder feeding the front three of Matt Gaut, Christian Jenkins & Mike Murray.

All of the Tee’s goals came in the first half with Matt Gaut bagging two and Christian Jenkins one.
The second half started with the home side battering the Tee’s defence of Tommy Ing, Gary Ginsburgh and Nick Stapleton. The Tee’s took the pressure in their stride with some help from the Liam O’Keefe and Andy Sargeant.

The Tee’s gave away too many short corners and eventually the numbers showed and gave the home side some hope of getting back in the game with a well worked short corner.

The Tee’s held out to take the win, even with the home side pushing all out for the last 10 minutes, but everything that made it past the defence couldn’t get past the man of the match Andy Gaut in the Tee’s net.

Mens 3

THURROCK III 1 v 2 OLD LOUGHTONIANS ACADEMY

The timing of this game and lack of players in higher teams meant that Thurrock were forced to field a weakened team for this Div 8SE fixture. The visitors however did not experience similar problems and contained a number of very experienced players. From the start Loughts mounted a strong attack and went into the lead after 10 minutes from a reverse stick shot from the edge of the D which flew into the roof of the net leaving keeper Keith Mager rooted to the spot. Academy continued to dominate the play forcing the Thurrock defence to work hard to keep them at bay whilst up the front, the attackers saw very little of the ball.

Thurrock held fast until half time with centre-back Declan Salmon making some timely tackles to prevent further score. Loughtonians continued to pile on the pressure after the break and added to their score from a short corner. Thurrock eventually got onto the score sheet when Jimmy Venus intercepted a Loughtonians pass and moved quickly up the field before passing for Michael Fleming to score. This inspired Thurrock and they began to match the visitors with a series of attacks but were thwarted by the in-form Loughtonians keeper. In the last 10 minutes any further hope of Thurrock levelling score was reduced when they were reduced to 10 men due to the dismissal of Gary Venus for dissent.

WITHAM I 3 v 6 THURROCK MENS I

Thurrock travelled to second in the league Witham as underdogs but with an early hattrick from Sandeep Gahir gave Thurrock a first half lead of 3-0. In the first 10 minutes of the second half Kyle Taylor scored a quick double to give the visitors a 5-0 lead. Witham hit back hard and finally found a way through but Matt Gaut then scored again for Thurrock to restore the five goal lead. Two consolation goals for the home side restored a bit of pride.

On Saturday the Firsts are away to East London, 1pm start

Mens 3

THURROCK III 2 v 3 OLD SOUTHENDIAN V

This was a game which Thurrock should have won but they failed to reach their high standard which has seen them maintain second place in Division 8 SE. After five minutes an attack by Southend was not cleared and a half-hit shot crept over the line from close range. Thurrock worked hard and Michael Fleming collected a pass from Josh Brody and dribbled around the keeper to level the score after 15 minutes. Thurrock had the majority of the play but were unable to convert their dominance into goal with several shots going wide. In the second half Thurrock continued to pressurise the Old Southendian defence and eventually went into the lead from a Jimmy Venus shot from the edge of the area.

Five minutes later a goal-bound shot was stopped by a defenders foot and Thurrock were awarded a penalty. However, Jimmy Venus was unable to add to Thurrock’s lead when his flick was saved by the keeper. This inspired the visitors and they changed their formation to put more pressure on Thurrock’s defence, which produced an equaliser when a shot from the right of the D deflected off keeper Dave Leeks stick and fell kindly for an attacker to level the score. Thurrock pushed forward but left themselves open to a breakaway by Southend and a miss-hit clearance led to Thurrock conceding a short corner which crept inside the post to give the visitors a winning goal in the last minute.

This Saturday the Thirds are home to Old Loughtonian Academy at 11 am

Minis

Thurrock Hockey Club’s Mini section played their fourth tournament of the season at Palmers College on Sunday 4th December. The Under 10 and Under 12 boys and girls teams played counterparts from Tower Hamlets, Maldon and Old Southendians. There were mixed fortunes for the Under 10’s, the girls were unlucky to lose 0-1, 0-1 and draw 0-0. The Under 10 boys won all three of their games 1-0, 1-0 and a convincing 5-1 with some really impressive team play and unselfish passing throughout. The scorers for the boys were Alex Farrow 4 , Ben Bridger 2 and Jamie Speers 1.

THURROCK MENS I 1 v 4 OLD SOUTHENDIANS I

The mens injury problems continue apace with Liam O’Reem dislocating his shoulder and having a ride in an ambulance to hospital. With three players missing through injury and four others unavailable it seems that nothing can go right for the Mens 1 side. The good news is that captain Steve Abbott, recovering from an operation on his leg, had a run out for the Seconds and came through unscathed and Andy Sargeant had the plaster removed from his ankle, hopefully making a return in the New Year. The game against Old Southendians I ended with a 1-4 defeat with Christian Jenkins scoring T’s consolation goal late in the game after dominating the visitors for the last 20 minutes. Man of the Match was Tommy Ing.

This Saturday the Firsts are away to Witham I at 1.30 pm

Mens 2

Thurrock 5 v 3 Old Southendians

The Seconds played a mid table clash against old Southendians, winning by 5 goals to 3 to leapfrog their opponents in Division 5SE. Darren Higgins scored a hat trick, while Liam Birch and Steve Abbott got a goal each. Man of the match was Jordan salmon.

This weekend the Seconds are away to Upminster III, 1pm start

Mens 3 PHOENIX III 3 v 4 THURROCK MENS III

Thurrock went into the lead after only five minutes when Michael Fleming played a one-two move with Ricky Smith to beat the Braintree defence before hammering the ball into the net. A run on the left by Josh Brody led to a pass to Freddie Taylor who dribbled into the D and played a measured pass which Ricky Smith pushed over the line before the keeper could react. Within five minutes, Phoenix got onto the score-sheet with an attack down the right.

The ball appeared to have been over hit but the speedy winger pulled it across the area for a forward to beat debut keeper Joe Harvey at the far post. The game flowed from end to end with both teams squandering chances before Jimmy Venus maintained his goal-a game record when wrong-footed the full back before scoring with a reverse-stick shot. In the second half Phoenix reorganised their formation and had more of the play putting in a series of shots which Harvey had to work hard to keep out.

Thurrock weathered the onslaught and Gary Venus moved the ball up the field before passing out to Smith who quickly slipped the ball for Fleming to get his second goal. With 10 minutes to go Thurrock had the smell of victory in their nostrils and pushed forward. Unfortunately a quickly taken free hit by Phoenix led to a breakaway and a three-man attack.

Although Harvey saved the initial shot, the rebound fell kindly for the second man to push the ball over the line. This inspired the home side and they pushed forward to dominate the Thurrock defence to soon added to their score from a well-taken short corner. In the last minute Phoenix mounted a strong attack which led to a flicked shot which was destined for the top corner of the goal but Harvey capped his man of the match display by diving across to push it around the post.

This week Thurrock play Old Southendians 11.00 at Palmers

Phoenix, with seven wins in eight games this season, might have expected an easy three points at Palmer’s on Saturday afternoon, but when the Tees put out their strongest line up they are a match for any side in Division 5SE.

The first half was goalless, but either side could have led at the break. On another day the home forwards Darren Higgins and Dec Millane would have had at least a goal each. With Sam Webb now a regular fixture in the 2s, Mike Hewing has been enjoying his new role in midfield, and it was he who was creating most of the 2s’ opportunities.

Phoenix made the most of a two on one situation early on in the second period to take the lead, but it was Thurrock who controlled the play for the majority of the half. The midfield quartet of Hewing, Jordan Salmon, Dan O’Shaughnessy and Jeff West were winning the ball back every time Phoenix tried to clear their lines, but Ash Snell up front, on for the injured Millane, and Higgins couldn’t find a way past the excellent visiting goalkeeper.

With fifteen minutes left on the clock, Hewing blasted the ball goalwards from a penalty corner, finally beating the goalie and giving Thurrock hope of what would be a deserved victory.

Tees made several more chances, another Hewing strike from a penalty corner beating the keeper but being cleared off the line, and three or four being hit just wide of the post, but couldn’t get a winner. Sam Webb was again voted man of the match, but that could have gone to any one of five or six players, such was the quality of the hockey on display.

Thurrock host Old Southendians this Saturday at 12.30.

Mens 3
THURROCK III 7 – 1 BRENTWOOD ACADEMY

Thurrock began strongly and went into the lead after five minutes when Ricky Smith beat the defender and slipped the ball for Josh Brody to beat the keeper from close range. Thurrock maintained their pressure and Liam Birch collected the ball on the half-way line and ran the length of the pitch before hammering the ball into the net from the edge of the D. Brentwood began to link passes together and threatened the Thurrock defence but some strong tackles by Neil Donovan and George McAllister ensured that keeper Mark Harvey was untroubled. With five minutes to go to half-time, Michael Fleming converted a pass from Jimmy Venus.

Thurrock increased their pressure in the second half when Himesh Patel moved into midfield and Fleming joined the attack. This produced a goal after five minutes when a cross by Gary Venus was nudged over the line by Josh Brody.

Within minutes Fleming seized on a Brentwood clearance and went around the keeper for his second goal. When Patel collected the ball on the half way line, he quickly passed to Birch dribbled through before hitting it out for Brody to get his hat-trick with a reverse stick hit. A rare Brentwood attack produced a free hit on the 25 metre line which was not cleared allowing the winger to ghost in and score inside the far post. This spurred Thurrock back to life and Fleming claimed his hat-trick when he received a pass from Dave Everett and flicked into the net. In the final minutes Jimmy Venus maintained his goal-a- game record when he drew the keeper before hammering the ball into the net.

Next week Thurrock travel to Braintree Phoenix, 1pm start

THURROCK were playing one of the top teams in the league and were a bit unsure how hard this game would be. Tees fielded a strong team that had bonded well over the last few games.

Thurrock pressured Phoenix from the start, knowing that they had to be strong and play hard. It was a very attacking game from both sides, with short corners being awarded at both ends. The first goal of the match came from one of these short corners, hit hard out by Karen Lucking, followed by a cracking shot from Sally Willett. Half time came seeing Thurrock leading one nil.

Second half started well for Phoenix with them scoring at the whistle. This woke up the Thurrock side and made them more determined to get something from the game.

From a long corner, Sally Willett found Fay Tuffee at the top of the circle, who rolled the ball inside the D and shot with Lauren Marshall deflecting the ball into the net. They thought they had taken the lead but an adamant Phoenix umpire said it was no goal, which shocked Thurrock.

With their heads still held high, the home side continued the match creating more chances, but it was to be Phoenix day when a penalty flick was awarded which found the back of the net.

Thurrock deserved more from this game, and even though they had lost, they showed how far they have come as a team and that they can challenge any team they face. A very positive game for all players.

Next week Thurrock are off to Basildon, 10.30 start.

Mens 1 

Bishop Stortford I 7 v 0 Thurrock I 

Tees had an unlucky result against a fast moving Bishop Stortford side with a 7-0 loss. Bishop Stortford started strongly with two goals in the first 10 minutes and they persistently pressed the Thurrock goal line. However, once settled into the pace of the game, Thurrock began to look dangerous with some good counter attacking plays.

Some excellent distribution from Kyle Taylor and Sandeep Gahir were providing excellent distribution to the wingers; Man of the Match Liam O’Reem and right half Nick Stapleton were making some excellent offensive runs. The second half saw a new and refreshed Thurrock side playing some good 1-2 hockey, however failing to capitalise on despite excellent movement and opportunities generated by Matt Gaut. Andy Gaut persistently endeavoured to keep the Bishops Stortford strikers from increasing the score line but some fast breaks left the Thurrock goalie exposed.

This week Thurrock Firsts face Stevenage I at home, 2pm start

Mens 2 
Southend II 3 2 Thurrock II 

Off the back of last week’s 11-2 victory, the 2s travelled to fourth placed Southend with high hopes of an upset. Thurrock started strongly but were lucky not to concede in the first five minutes when the home side broke quickly, but failed to get the ball past goalie Keith Mager’s outstretched foot. Southend though did take the lead some 10 minutes later, and took a one goal lead into the break. The blues then doubled their lead early in the second half before Thurrock mounted a comeback. Christian Jenkins, playing against his former club, grabbed a quick brace to give the visitors hope for an unlikely, and to be honest undeserved away win.

Southend’s third goal hurt the 2s more than any other, as the defence were expecting a free hit for a foot which the umpires failed to see, however when nobody closed down the blue’s number 11 he was handed an opportunity he wasn’t going to turn down and restored the advantage. Thurrock could have snatched a point when they were awarded a penalty flick in the last 10 minutes, but the keeper pulled off a great save from Dec Millane’s attempt. The Tees had no arguments at the result, and know that they will need to perform at their best if they are to seriously trouble the teams at the top of Division 5SE.

On Saturday the Seconds are at home to Phoenix II at 3.30 pm

Mens 3 
Upminster VI 2 v 6 Thurrock III 

Thurrock pushed forward from the start of this Division 8SE game but went behind after only five minutes following a breakaway by Upminster. The home side doubled their score soon afterwards from a well-taken short corner which beat keeper Dave Leeks. Thurrock were stirred into action and Matthew Skinner made a run on the left wing before passing to Ricky Smith who hammered the ball into the D for Josh Brady to score from close range. Thurrock reorganised their formation in the second half with Michael Fleming moving into midfield to allow Himesh Patel to push forward. Within five minutes a run up the wing by Dave Everett led to a cross which Jimmy Venus deflected past the keeper to level the score. Upminster worked hard to reclaim the lead but were thwarted by strong defensive work by Declan Salmon and George McAllister. Liam Birch turned the game around by moving the ball up the field and passing to Brady to get his second goal.

Thurrock began to dominate the game and Fleming got onto the score sheet when, with his back to goal, he received a pass from Gary Venus before turning and slipping the ball between keeper and post. Thurrock were playing some excellent hockey and an attack by the home side was intercepted by Leeks who kicked the ball out to Gary Venus who passed for Jimmy Venus to dribble around the keeper and get his second and Thurrock’s fifth goal. In the final minutes, Ricky Smith played a one-two with Himesh Patel before hammering past the keeper to cap an excellent performance by Thurrock.

The Thirds are playing Brentwood Academy at Palmers, at 12.30.

This fixture last season was the title decider between the two best teams in Division 6SE. This time around, with both teams closer to the bottom than the top of Division 5SE, the result was just as important, but for very different reasons. After an initial Brentwood attack, the Thurrock defence of Gary Ginsburgh, Chris Smith and Mike Hewing were hardly troubled. The tees midfield simply did not allow the visitors to string two passes together, let alone mount an attack. The 2s were nothing short of magnificent, summed up by the fourth goal when Ginsburgh found Mike Hewing free on the right.

Turning defence into attack, man of the match Hewing powered forward over the half way line before spotting Michael Murray in front of the keeper. A 40 yard pass straight to Murray’s stick still left last season’s top scorer with plenty to do, but with one touch the ball found it’s way past the stranded goalie and nestled in the bottom corner. An early contender for goal of the season, and just one of four for Murray. New boy Liam O’Keefe introduced himself to club chairman Jackie Milne with a superb hattrick and an industrious performance in the midfield.

The 2s go into the top half of Division 5SE with 10 points, and on Saturday visit fifth placed Southend.

Mens 3

SAFFRON WALDEN VI 6 – 3 THURROCK III

Due to unavailability of several players, a very much weakened Thurrock team began this Division 8SE game and were behind after only 10 minutes when centre-back Dave Leeks was unable to cut out a speedy attack and the ball just evaded a diving Declan Salmon to enter the net. Thurrock fought back and an attack by Ricky Smith down the right produced a pass for Liam Birch to play a one-two with Jimmy Venus before shooting inches wide.

Thurrock continued to dominate the play and eventually were rewarded when Birch dribbled through the defence before passing for Michael Fleming to level the score. Saffron Walden started the second half strongly and soon went into the lead from a short corner. This stimulated the home side and they attacked and added two more goals in quick succession to make it 4-1. Thurrock however were not prepared to concede without a fight and Dave Everett made a strong run on the left before playing to Birch who smashed the ball into the D for Josh Brady to get his first Thurrock goal.

Unfortunately Thurrock relaxed and allowed Saffron Walden back into the game for their fifth goal from a short corner. With five minutes to go, a quickly taken free-hit inside the Thurrock 25 yard line produced a sixth goal. With the final whistle looming, Thurrock were awarded a free-hit which was taken by Fleming and passed to Jimmy Venus who went around the defender to give Thurrock a richly deserved third goal.

Next week Thurrock play local rivals Upminster at Gloucester Park, Basildon 3 pm start.

Ladies 2

BRENTWOOD III 2 – 4 THURROCK II

Still on a high from their win last week, Thurrock were looking to keep on the winning road at a late kick off in Brentwood. From the whistle Thurrock were on the attack and showed how well the team has bonded over the last few weeks. Quick passing between Charlotte Adnams and Katie Lawrence up the left and Karen Lucking and Debra Blamey up the right created shape and attacking opportunities for the team. With crosses coming in like bullets, it would not be long before forwards Nicole Brown and Sue Clive would add a notch on the backboard of the goal. Brentwood attacked in numbers, which called for some tough defending from Liz Gray, Leah Purser and Sally Willett. This created space for Thurrock to lead an attack in reply, and with so much room to play in meant a goal was on its way.

The goals came with two things, speed and quality. By half time Thurrock were four up but knew this game was not over yet.

The second half saw Brentwood had a new lease of life. Not only did their team seem more determined to get something from the match, but also their sideline supporters seemed to give them belief. Thurrock had to battle hard to try to keep Brentwood at bay but the home team managed to gain two goals back which put added pressure on Thurrock to see this game out.

Fantastic support on the sideline for Thurrock gave them the team spirit they needed to see the game to the end and the score remained at 4-2 thanks to some truly classy saves from keeper Kelly Bentley. Goalscorers – Karen Lucking, Charlotte Adnams, Nicole Brown and Sue Clive.

Next game against Phoenix, 2pm at Palmers.

POTTERS BAR I 4 v 2 THURROCK I

After last week’s snatched defeat Thurrock were full of confidence and ready to perform against a side without a win this season. The game started well with both sides creating chances to go one ahead but it was Thurrock’s Andre Rudder who flicked the ball home from a short corner putting the away side 1-0 up. However that momentum did not last and Potters Bar came back with an attack leading to a goal line scramble finally put in, evening the score line 1-1. Then unfortunately for Thurrock, Potters Bar added another from a short corner deflected in from the injector just in front of the man on the post making the score 2-1. However

Thurrock’s heads did not go down and just before half time Matt Gaut’s persistent run created an opening for debutant Ross Austin to slap home to once again even the score line 2-2 and this is how it stayed going into the half time team talk.

The second half started shakily for Tees with simple mistakes leading to the ball being given awaytoo many times. After 10 minutes the opposition were given an easy chance which was well taken putting the home team ahead for the second time 3-2. Unfortunately Thurrock’s heads went down and after a miss-timed re-shuffle of the formation another was banged home from the home side 4-2. This is how the game ended and Thurrock’s hard work again came to no avail.

Man of the Match – Kyle Taylor.

This Saturday the Firsts are home to Saffron Walden I at 2 pm

Mens 2

SAFFRON WALDEN III 3 – 1 THURROCK II

The 2s looked the better side early on, but mistakes led to the home side taking a two goal lead. Darren Higgins pulled a goal back, but when Chris Smith took out a Saffron Walden forward, the umpire only had one option, and the resulting penalty flick put the points beyond doubt.
Thurrock host Brentwood IV on Saturday at Palmer’s, 12.30 pm.

Mens 3 & 4 did not have a game

THURROCK I 2 – 0 SEVENOAKS IV

Thurrock Ladies I had a good result beating Sevenoaks IV by two goals to nil. The first goal was scored by Tessa Ing from a short corner and the second was via an excellent pass from Louise Pike to Alison Bonner who shot at the top of the D straight into the goal! Keeper Lauren Marshall had made her debut in goal for the Firsts and with the solid defence of Parrott, Ellis and White, kept the Sevenoaks team at bay. The midfield took control and stopped the opposition from attacking and breaking down their play with Natalie Beardwell playing really well on the left.

This Saturday the Firsts are away to Gillingham Anchorians I

Ladies 2

THURROCK II 7 – 0 WAPPING IV

After the Ladies 2s battle for a draw last week, they hoped this week would be a game that would end in a win. Playing a Wapping team that were currently below them without a win brought added hope of gaining three points.

Thurrock had a strong team that had a lot of experience under their belts which could only lead to one result.

The first half saw the defenders Katie Lawrence, Debra Blamey and Fay Tuffee hard at work to help keep the Wapping forwards away from goal and their stand in keeper Liz Gray. The hard work continued through the Thurrock team with some quick passing between Sally Willett, Jo Diss and Karen Lucking up the right to create some chances for forwards Nicole Brown and Leah Purser to hit some shots.

Wapping were attacking strong down their right side of the pitch but some fantastic tackles from Charlotte Adnams and Charni Horseman stopped them in their tracks and kept the pressure on Wapping defence.

Once Thurrock got in their stride, the goals just kept coming. Thurrock’s Leah Purser and Sally Willett both got a hat trick, with Nicole Brown finishing the onslaught with a well deserved goal who was also the player of the match.

Thurrock Ladies 2s play Brentwood away this weekend.

Thurrock Mens 1st team lined up against Crostyx II without their captain Steve Abbott recovering from a vital early season operation, however this did not stop the team romping to victory over challenging opposition.They started with purpose bagging three goals in the first 10 minutes. Matty Gaut bagging a brace and one from man of the match Christian Jenkins. Such was their dominance that they could have had easily doubled the score but that was it until half time. After the break Crosytx upped the pace and scored quickly before the Tees restored the three goal advantage through Matt Lever. There was even more time for two more goals from Thurrock before the end of the game with Matt Lever completing a double and Matty Gaut completed his hatrick. The game ended with Thurrock winning comfortably 6-2 and are fourth in the table.
On Saturday they are away to Wapping II at 1 pm.

Mens 2

THURROCK II 1 – 2 COLCHESTER III

The 2s are still searching for their first win in Div 5SE after another closely fought but ultimately disappointing game at Palmer’s College on Saturday afternoon.

Thurrock were without four regulars from their starting line up, so had to promote from the 3s and 4s, and although the team played well and created more opportunities than Colchester, the visiting defence were extremely well drilled.

Colchester were one up at half time, but Mike Hewing pulled the Tees back level early on in the second half from a penalty corner. For the third game in a row, the 2s were the stronger side in the second half, but again failed to capitalise on their dominance. Liam Birch was creating chances from the middle of the pitch, but without their usual forward line up they couldn’t find the net again. With 10 minutes left on the clock Colchester countered quickly and restored their advantage, knocking the wind out of Thurrock’s sails.
The 2s visit Wapping IV on Saturday afternoon at 2.30 pm.

Mens 3

BRENTWOOD V 1 – 2 THURROCK III

The score does not reflect this Division 8SE game in which Thurrock dominated from the first whistle. After 10 minutes Jimmy Venus collected a pass from Tom Archer and went around the keeper before putting the ball into the net. Thurrock maintained their pressure and Josh Brady was unlucky not to add to the score when he made a solo run from the half way line and beat the keeper only to see his shot graze the outside of the post. Within minutes Brady seized on a mishit clearance and dribbled through the defence to shoot. However he was thwarted by the diving keeper’s outstretched stick. Tom Madden made a strong run on the right and centred for Mat Skinner to slip the ball to Venus whose shot was deflected wide.

In the second half a rare Brentwood breakaway found Thurrock pushing too far up the field and although Danny Hick saved the initial shot, the rebound fell kindly for an attacker to level the score. This spurred Brentwood and they attacked in numbers, however full back Sam Webb was alert and made a series of important tackles to repel the threat. Thurrock regained the upper hand and pressurised the home defence who held out until the sixtieth minute when Venus received a pass from Himesh Patel and flicked the ball into the top corner of the net for his second goal to seal Thurrock’s victory

The Thirds are home at Palmers to Southend III, 11 am pushback

Academy

THURROCK ACADEMY 1 – 2 REDBRIDGE & ILFORD ACADEMY

Thurrock’s new Men’s Academy team did not get off to the best of starts against Redbridge and Ilford, and conceded an early goal after 10 minutes.

But they recovered to play some good hockey with Liam Birch scoring the equaliser just before half time.

With great effort from the Thurrock midfield, man of the match Josh Bridges pushed Thurrock forward, with some great chances from Freddie Taylor and Byron Woods, but to no result. With 10 minutes to spare the opposition beat the defence to score the winner. The Academy team is still looking for their first win of the season with the score finishing 1-2.

This Saturday the Academy are away to Saffron Walden.

BRENTWOOD I 5 – 1 THURROCK I

Tees went into the second game of the season on a high after beating East London at home 1-0. This weeks game was played in 29 degree heat and with some pace, with both teams defending off the counter attacks. However it was Brentwood that drew first blood by slotting it past Man of the Match Andy Gaut in goal and that’s how it ended at halftime.

The second half saw Tees come out fighting but where thwarted by a resolute home defence. Thurrock where caught out again with two well worked short corners followed by a fierce strike from the top and a close up deflection. They never gave up and where rewarded with a goal two minutes from time.

The Firsts play Crostyx II this Saturday at Palmers, 11 am start

Mens 2 

CHELMSFORD IV 1 – 1 THURROCK II

Chelmer Park isn’t a venue where you expect to pick up easy points, and with three 13 year olds making their Second team debut, the Twos would have taken a point before the match begun.

Tees had easily the better start though, and should have taken the lead at least once but failed to put enough pressure on the Chelmsford keeper from a series of penalty corners.

Chelmsford broke the deadlock on 25 minutes with a passage which another umpire would have penalised on another day, with a ball lifted close to defender Rick Clubb’s body, play was allowed to go on, and a simple lift over the advancing keeper allowed the home forward to volley home.

With the game being played in the sweltering late summer heat, both sides were grateful for an extended half time break to allow the freshly watered pitch to dry out adequately, however when play was restarted the ball wasn’t rolling as well as it should, and a through ball from Matt Leaver was held up in a puddle before it reached forward Darren Higgins in a dangerous position in front of goal. Undeterred, the Twos pressurised their hosts into a series of defensive mistakes, and surely with a full strength XI would have scored sooner than they did. The goal came when a goalbound shot was deflected wide by a defender’s foot. Leaver stepped up to take the resulting flick, which he calmly slid under the keeper’s diving body.

The Twos were rightly pleased with their first point of the season, with special praise going to future stars Tom Archer, Byron Wood, Freddie Taylor and George Horgan who never looked out of place playing in NE14 Hockey Division 5SE.

Thurrock entertain Colchester at Palmer’s next week, pushing back at 12.30pm.

Mens 3 

THURROCK III 4 – 0 COLCHESTER IV

Thurrock began the game strongly and after five minutes went into the lead when Liam Birch collected the ball on the edge of the 25m line and dribbled through the Colchester defence before slipping it past the advancing keeper. Ten minutes later, Jimmy Venus made it 2-0 when he collected a pass from Himesh Patel and fired into the net from the edge of the area. Colchester drove forward from the restart and put together a series of passes which took them into the Thurrock area however right back Sam Webb was alert and dispossessed the centre forward before he could shoot. Colchester were becoming more threatening and keeper Danny Hick was called upon to make a series of saves to thwart the attack.

Five minutes before half time Matthew Skinner made a run on the right before centring for Michael Fleming to round the keeper and make it 3-0. Thurrock continued to play the better hockey in the second half but a strong Colchester defence held them back until, after 60 minutes, Matthew Fleming, playing his first game for two years, seized on a rebounded shot off the keeper and flicked the ball into the net.

Thurrock play Brentwood IV this Saturday, 12.30 start at Hannikans Farm, Billericay

Ladies 1 

THURROCK I 5 – 0 BRENTWOOD I

The Ladies First team were able to filed a strong team and were lucky to have a squad of 12 which was very helpful in the heat! They are proving to be exceptionally strong force in this league and yet again came away with another resounding win of 5-0! In the last three games the Ladies have scored 21 goals. The defence remained almost onlookers whilst Ally Bonner (2), Miriam Nicholls (2) and Katie Jacks all got onto the score sheet. All players performed well with Lou Pike having a noteworthy performance.

This Saturday Ladies I away to Blackheath I

Ladies 2 

REDBRIDGE & ILFORD 5 – 0 THURROCK II
The Ladies Second team were not so fortuitous and were in the position of fielding an exceptionally young and inexperienced team. Captain Charlene Curtis has fought valiantly throughout the week to field a team and despite her inspirational leadership the team lost 5-0. Faye Tuffee was outstanding for the ladies and a true inspiration to her younger teammates.

On Saturday Ladies II are away to Essex University