Mercedes has been a stalwart of the T-Birds for many years.

Her enthusiasm is met by her ability and so it is no surprise that the William Edwards PE teacher has been picked for her country.

It has been quite a roller coaster season for the team, who have not been afraid to pit themselves against tougher opposition in order to raise their game.

Well done to all involved in the club on a great achievement.

This is to engage as many players – New, Old, Male, Female, Experts, Beginners to come up to the club in Blackshots each and every TUESDAY for six weeks for a great atmosphere, good fun and enjoyable rugby.

There will also be hot food and cold drinks available each week.

There will be a league, and those wishing to take part in it will accumulate points for each game they play and points will be added throughout the six weeks to allocate final positions.

For those who do not wish to take part in a league, simply turn up and play friendlies.

Contact David Harries on 0781 4885539, or e-mail david.harries@davenant.org for further details.

Their match against Aylesford is for premiership survival.

Win and they remain in the premiership for another two years. Lose and it is back to the regional divisions.

It has been a huge step up this year and the T-Bird have learned so much. But they would dearly love to put that experience to use, once again, in the premiership.

The match is at 3pm at Blackheath FC. There is a coach leaving the clubhouse on Sunday.

Full details can be found on the website.

IN this bottom of the table clash, going down 22-24 nailed Thurrock T-Birds to the foot of the Premiership and will send them into a playoff with one last chance to retain their top flight status, but they fought every inch of the way.

In a fascinating and nail biting performance the T-Birds espoused their key mantra of Heart, Passion and Belief to came from behind three times and push Darlington Mowden Park Sharks right to the wire. In a men’s Premiership game the result would have been different, the cameras would have seen the key forward pass in the act of scoring that settled the game, but the T-Birds have to take the responsibility of failing to finish three easy chances that would have made a referee’s mistake irrelevant.

On what seemed like the first day of spring and watched by the largest Women’s’ Premiership rugby crowd anywhere this season, the power and dominance of the T-Bird pack was balanced against the brilliance of England Fly Half, Katie McLean, who’s boot and step undid the T’s defence on too many occasions.

With just 10 minutes gone, after a scrum on the halfway line, she ghosted through a tiny gap and set DMP’s backs into motion. A good tackle on the line set up the ruck and within seconds DMP’s Flanker Nash was over the line for 0-5.

After 10 minutes of McLean using the wind to keep T’s pegged back she was away again. 50 meters of territory from the boot to put DMP in the right part of the field, she was then involved 4 times before cutting back against the grain of the defence to go under the posts and give herself an easy conversion.

At 0-12 down it looked all over for Thurrock but inspired by their dominant pack now they mounted their comeback.

Setting up camp on the DMP line they pressed for a score. Repeatedly taking the scrum option as DMP infringed, they went for the pushover. Third time and as the ball bobbled loose at No8 Austin’s feet a quick scoop from Scrum half Cook put the ball in India Harvey’s hands for a score under the posts. The conversion from Scott put Ts right back in the game at 7-12.

With the half drawing to a close and with their tails up, Ts threw everything at DMP, again down in the same corner, they used the scrum perfectly this time to push DMP back over their own line and Austin making no mistake cleanly touched the ball down. Despite the cheer from the crowd, Scott’s conversion was marginally wide to leave the half time score at 12 -12.

Now with the strong wind in her face, McLean’s kicking options were reduced and DMP initially looked less dangerous with the T’s defence easily marshalling the DMP attack. Thurrock looked to be getting on top, but a penalty reversal for lip deep in their own half set DMP away.

Going wide and left they continually recycled the ball, with Mclean sending runners from every direction and the defence showing a little too much respect, a missed tackle let Nash claim her brace in the corner. 12-17.

Ts immediately responded and started to play 15 “man” rugby. Over the next 5 minutes both wingers were hauled down agonisingly short before left wing and Ugandan 7s Captain , Helen Buteme, was given enough space for a run to the line and her first Premiership try in only her second game.

The unsuccessful conversion from out wide left the game again tied at 17-17.

DMP once again stepped up the pace and pushed deep into Thurrock territory despite stiff defence. DMP messed up their own lineout, but a lucky bounce saw the ball drop into Lock Jones’ hands allowing her to make an easy 20 meters. Starting to go right from the ruck DMP quickly switched left and McLean popped the ball to No5 Scott in a clear forward pass. Despite the protests of Ts and the flag of the Touch Judge, the referee awarded the try under the posts for another easy 2 points for McLean. 17-24 and 15 minutes to play.

With a whiff of desperation in the air and fighting for their Premiership future, Thurrock now played probably their best rugby of the season. Deep in DMP’s 22, they had a series of driving mauls and 5 meter scrums disrupted by committed defence.

Held up over the line and dropping 2 scoring passes denied them vital points until finally Ts again stretched DMP’s defence wide for right wing Bex Francis to also claim her first Premiership try. Another wide conversion was missed to leave Ts agonisingly short at 22-24 down.

For a neutral, the last 10 minutes was top class, both teams going at it with a will and DMP marginally shading the territory but with no further score they took the points that ensured their own Premiership safety.

India Harvey and new signing Clare Phelps were Thurrock’s players of the match.

With the season so badly disrupted by the weather and trying to play catch up with the fixture list, the next few matches are uncertain!

The most likely scenario is that Thurrock will host second in the table Richmond next week 21st April, to allow the League winners to be decided and then go into a play off against the winners of the Championship Cup at a neutral venue which is still to be decided on the 28th April.

The Championship Cup is due to be contested next Sunday 21st at Broadstreet RFC, Coventry between local rivals Aylesford or Liverpool based Waterloo who won Championship South and North respectively.

Watch the website for updates.

The Thurrock T-Birds players and coaches would like to thank our sponsors who have made it possible and supporters who have repeatedly lifted our spirits over the course of a very tough season.

THURROCK welcomed promotion chasing Bishop Stortford with a renewed confidence following last week’s comeback victory and knowing their National league position is safe and could now play without any inhabitations. The visitors started the game strongly and were rewarded after just 5 minutes winger Jono Child scored a try wide out in the corner. Coleman’s excellent conversion into the wind took his side out to a 7 point lead. However there advantage was short lived, as Thurrock’s desire to run the ball was quickly rewarded, Frankie Neale injected pass with his arrival in the back line and perfectly timed pass gave Joe Hardy the chance to score wide on the left, an excellent touchline conversion by fullback Neale leveled the scores.

Although playing into the stiff breeze, Stortford enjoyed the better of the subsequent battle for territory, but stout Thurrock defence prevented any scores for the next 20 minutes however the key turning point was when second row, Nick Cooper-Hicks was yellow carded for tackling a Stortford player off the ball, as the visitors threatened to break through well inside the home 22. This advantage was quickly exploited, when Stortford opted for the scrum, rather than a kick and, when a second penalty was conceded, another strong drive at a second scrum allowed No 8, Steve Ball to plunge over for a try, again well converted by Coleman. Before the sin bin period had expired, the visitors’ lead was stretched to 12 points just moments before the half time break when Wayne Child scored a try, Coleman’s conversion attempt went narrowly wide.

The visitors flattered by a late 12 point burst now led 19-7, probably felt comfortable but. Thurrock, had other ideas s, the home side proceeded to dominate possession and most of the territory, and Thurrock proceeded to dominate in the line outs and backed up by a commitment to run the ball into the faltering breeze and some excellent handling, the home team exerted considerable pressure on Stortford, and were rewarded after 10 minutes of the half with three points from Neale’s boot, off the third penalty conceded by Stortford in relatively quick succession. Thurrock went straight back onto the attack and it took a tremendous last-ditch Stortford tackle prevent a try by Nat Farrell.

Bishop Stortford were now being tested by a constant barrage of fast flowing rugby from the home side, the visitors’ stubborn and last ditch resistance was broken, Thurrock won a kickable penalty after eventually a yellow card was given to a visiting player for continual infringement at the breakdown. Frankie Neale stepped to take the easy three points on offer, to reduce the margin to secure a bonus point and make them entirely safe from the lingering threat of relegation. The was just sufficient time to re-start and full time was blown almost immediately when the ball found touch after Thurrock had secured the ball

TEAM ; NEALE, FARRELL, PRUCE, BURCHAM, HARDY, SULLIVAN, COOK, HULSE, CAREY, BEVANS-ROYSTON, COOPER-HICKS, FLAVIN, KELLARD, JONES, RETIGAN

REP RATE, RUSSO, RUDGELEY

Thurrock finish their season when they visit GRAVESEND on Saturday, kick off is 3.00pm

YET another game that the T-Birds could and perhaps should have won, but they will have to be satisfied with a losing bonus point and take comfort that 5-12 to Wasps was a much better score line than 49-5 in the reverse fixture earlier in the Season.

In what is becoming a depressingly familiar storyline, Thurrock conceded 2 soft scores at crucial moments and spent the rest of the game playing catch up.

Wasps hit the ground running and quickly put Thurrock under pressure in their own 22. With the Thurrock scrum wilting T’s were quickly defending their own line from a 5m penalty and despite the desperate tackles Joanna Magilchrist was over the line in just 4 minutes.

Ts rallied and put together a good performance over the next 20 minutes that dominated territory and possession. Wasps defended well but after conceding 9 penalties in their own 22 the referee finally lost patience and gave Laura Quinn a yellow card and 10 minutes rest.

From the 5m lineout T’s commenced the familiar catch and drive which Wasps immediately sacked, but a few pick and goes later as Jo Convoy was held up on the line, Emily Scott plucked the ball out of her hands and dived over into the corner.

5-5 gave the Ts hope and they pressed for another score for much of the remaining 15 minutes of the half without success, a solid and committed Wasps defence willing conceding penalties rather than trys.

With 5 minutes to go, Wasps turned up the heat, pushed into Thurrock’s half and set up camp on the try line. Determined attack met determined defence but with Wasps awarded a 5m penalty in the dying seconds and the game stopped for an injury, Thurrock switched off and went to sleep. Half the team were not prepared for the restart and the returning Quinn bagged and easy 5 points. With Edwards claiming the extras, the half finished 5-12.

The second half was a dour affair with Wasps just on top. Despite now having the wind behind them, Thurrock spent much of the time in their own half. Most of the action was between the 22s , neither side looked particularly likely to score and the game finished 5-12.

On the bright side for Thurrock, Georgie Cook played her first rugby for 11 months after a knee reconstruction and ended up with Back of the match, while Forward of the match was once again Gaelle “Frenchie” Marcassuss who tackled anything and everything that moved.

Next week sees the arrival at Oakfield of DMP Sharks. This is game that Thurrock must win or resign themselves to a playoff if they wish to remain in the top flight.

3pm at Oakfield

THE WINTER weather descended on Oakfield on Saturday and played a major part in the result although Thurrock can only take part of the blame for a rather lacklustre first half performance. The playing surface already wet was made worse by the snow falling during the game. The visitors set there stool out early in the game keeping the ball close to hand for long periods of play hardly moving the ball outside the fly half, but there hardworking forwards were rewarded with three tries only one of which was converted. However Thurrock did keep on the score sheet thanks to the reliable boot of Frankie Neale who landed a penalty.

Thurrock had the worst possible start to the half, a dropped kick off put Thurrock on the back foot and a period of pressure resulted in a penalty try following a series of penalty infringements at scrum 5 metres out, the kick in front of the posts was converted.

Thurrock made two changes when Joe Jones and Jamie Hulse making his debut replaced Charlie Russo and Christian Rate now came into the ascendancy, and Hulse doing well in close areas. Neale again added another penalty and then started to dominate the game keeping Barnes pinned in their own half, and were rewarded for their new found effort when Jones took a quick tap penalty to score wide out, making an immediate impact, James Kellard then bulldozed his way over to make thing interesting, although both conversions were narrowly missed from wide out by Neale Thurrock looked for another score to earn a deserved point but a charged down kick and infringement at the resultant breakdown gave the Barnes full back an easy penalty kick to stretch the lead again.

Thurrock still had one last opportunity in attack but a wayward pass see the ball go behind an attacking player and into touch the referee signalled an end to a spirited game in treacherous conditions as both teams needed a round of applause for the gallant efforts.

TEAM: Neale, Farrell, Gorman, Burcham, Hardy, Sullivan, Cook (Bedding 40m), Rate (Hulse), Carey, Bevans-Royston, Flavin, Loka, Kellard, Russo (Jones 59m) Retigan

Thurrock next game is after Easter when they are AWAY to TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS on Saturday 6th April, kick off is 3pm

There was nearly no rugby at all when the referee’s plane was turned back. Luckily a substitute was found on the island – but, unluckily for T’s, one of the borough’s props was on the affected flight.

The match started well in good conditions with both sides getting some of the ball. Late on in the first half Thurrock looked to be through for a try but they were cynically stopped with a tackle off the ball.

However, they failed to capitalise on the resulting Guernsey yellow card and went in 6-3 down.

In the second half Thurrock had a fair amount of possession, but could not make this count and Guernsey took control.

Thurrock threatened when Frankie Neil scored and converted the try when there was a real chance of stealing the win. However with a few errors, T’s let the match slip away.

ON a crisp fresh Saturday inform Pegasus travelled the few miles to play the local derby against Stanford. These games are always a tense and tight affair but earlier in the season Pegasus had taught the Stanford team a lesson in how to play rugby and that still hurt so the Stanford players were ready to show the supporters what they were made of.

From the off Pegasus were the dominate side and for 10 minutes the game was played in the Stanford 22 but the determination, sheer grit and hard training showed from the Stanford side and they held firm. No matter what Pegasus tried Stanford was a match. As the game progressed the teams were locked in a full on competitive game which was largely played in the centre of the pitch.

The scrums were well contested with props Stephen McWilliams and James Hunter grinding out a power struggle for front row domination, which they were very bit a match. Sam Herbert at scrum half was all over his opposite number and distributing ball to the backs to give the fast play. Fly half Calum Reid was commanding his backs up fast and running the attacking show.

Neither side could say they had the lion share of the play but as the 1st half came to a close Pegasus got the first break in play when Conal Maguire was yellow carded for coming off his feet at a ruck. The penalty that followed was easy for Pegasus and they took the lead with only 5 minutes left.

The way the game had been played so far no one would have bet that the 1st half wouldn’t draw to a close with Pegasus taking a 3 point advantage but they would have been wrong. Liam Morley took a quick ball off Herbert and went on a fast forward run driving through three tackles. Being brought down the Stanford support was straight in giving Herbert quick clean ball. The ball was sent out through the backs with Full back Aaron Smith coming in hard and fast scoring in the corner on 40 minutes. The conversation just died and the extra 2 points were not added.

No changes were made at half time as the current 15 had been playing so well any changes at that point may have affected the teams play. The decision seemed to prove correct when only 3 minutes into the second half Stanford were awarded a penalty which Reid slotted taking Stanford into a 5 point lead.

Just back to 15 men Stanford were dealt another blow on 6 minutes, when Danny Jackson was shown red for poor discipline, after reacting to horrendous stamping by the Pegasus pack, which went unpunished. A quick change was made with Troy Elkes giving way in the centres for Matthew Murphy to take over on the flank of the scrum for Jackson.

It took Pegasus another 7 minutes before they could exploit the extra man and crossed the Stanford line to bring the scores back level at 8 all. Stanford was not done my any means and they kept pushing to get back in front. Several times Stanford were awarded penalties from a long way out but without fear Reid stepped up to try his best for his side, sadly each time the kicks were just off from gaining the valuable points.

The game continued with lots of collisions all over the pitch and it was only time before the game flared up and this saw Gary Burke of Stanford and one of the Pegasus players set for 10 minutes of cooling off time. Now down to 13 men Stanford were determined to not let this game slip but on 24 minutes of the second half Pegasus were awarded a kickable penalty to take the lead.

However Stanford had so much determination that immediately from the kick off the Stanford pack chased down the restart and they were awarded a penalty when Pegasus hands were caught in the ensuing ruck. Reid stepped up with composure. Reid’s kick struck the upright and Herbert was first to react catching the ball before it hit the floor, all Pegasus could do was again to give away a penalty to stop the Stanford on rush. This time in front of the posts Reid brought his side back on level terms.

There was no quarter given by each side and the Stanford players were working so hard in attack and defence. With both teams sin bin time up the 14 men of Stanford were not just holding the 15 men of Pegasus but attacking and doing it well. With 7 minutes left to play of the second half, Pegasus were shown red for persistent offending, evening up the sides for the first time since the first 6 minutes of the half.

With the sides all level it looked like a draw was on cards but Stanford had other ideas. The ball was mauled in the centre of the pitch and then released out to Reid who released Morley. Morley had no intention of being stopped yet the Pegasus’s full back had other ideas and clothes lined Morley. Both teams reacted to the high tackle which resulted in Gary Burke being shown a second yellow card making it red, for rushing in to try and keep the peace. Despite a high tackle only a penalty was awarded against Pegasus.

On 39 minutes of the 2nd half Reid had the biggest pressure kick of the season. If it goes over Stanford were sure to have won and stopped the Pegasus winning run. Reid’s kick despite being wide out was accurateand had a fair bit to spare.

The last minute was a frantic affair with Stanford trying to regain the ball from the kick off and running the clock down. As the final whistle blew a huge cheer went up and the elation could be seen on the Stanford players faces.

It was truly a team effort from Stanford; each player gave everything for their team mates. Despite the game boiling over sometimes both sides left all the silliness on the pitch and congratulated each other on a really hard fought game, which is commendable to both sides. Stanford now has a mini winning run of 3 games in a row and every chance of finishing higher in the league.

Another disappointing day for Thurrock who again played so well and came away with nothing, rueing a perfectly good try disallowed late in the game, and a charged down clearance that gifted the lead to the visitors.

Thurrock started off so well, with tries from James Flavin and Nathan Farrell both duly converted by Frankie Neale who also added a penalty for a 17-0 lead. With this start it looked at last that the effort and commitment shown in the last couple of weeks it started to pay dividends, but the visitors edged into the match with a converted try and a penalty to reduce the defecit to 7 until Neale again added a further penalty right on the stroke of half time for the home side to lead 20-10

However the second half was a big turn round as the visitors took control of the game, early in the half as a converted try and a penalty drew them level. This spurred Thurrock into offensive action and great pressure from a line out gave hooker Rob Scott the chance to crash over to regain the lead, but 2 further penalties given away and two tries one of which was converted took the game away from the home side, Neale did add a penalty between scores, before James Kellard had the try not given, which would have meant 2 points gained rather than nothing.

TEAM: Neale, Farrell, Gorman, Burcham, Boshell ,Rudgeley, Cook, North, Scott, Bevans-Royston, Ellis, Thomas, Flavin, Cooper-Hicks,Kellard.

Thurrock are AWAY to GUERNSEY this Saturday, kick off is 2.30pm

The Thurrock Ladies star was just millimetres away from touching down but she was tackled just before the line.

Scott had come on as a substitute but she could not prevent England losing.

Emily is in the third year of her sports science degree at Brunel University

They are a friendly group of girls ranging from ages 18 to 40 something and would love to welcome you to support Stanford.

No experience is necessary as training will be given to every level.

If you would be interested in learning a sport, getting fit and enjoying a great social life then come along to Stanford Rec on a Tuesday evening at 7pm or Saturday at 10.30am.

WESTCOMBE PARK 35 v 18 THURROCK

SCORE line’s sometimes never reflect the effort and commitment on show and for nearly an hour Thurrock and Westcombe Park were locked in a battle with the scores level at 13-13, then a mistake in defence Thurrock conceded a try from centre Hough and it seemed to knock the stuffing out them, it was the first of three tries conceded in the last quarter, but it also coincided with two injuries that changed the shape of Thurrock’s team, hooker and captain Reece Durrance and centre Lewis Pruce both left the field with knee injuries, adding to the shoulder injury to Jake Barrand in the first half which will see him out for the rest of the season, so not a good day for the Thurrock squad in terms of injuries.

Frankie Neale opened the scoring for Thurrock, with a fine try which he converted himself and after 15 minutes they led 7-0. Luke Giles pegged back a penalty for the home side before catch and drive led to a score from prop Conlon, and Giles added the conversion for Park to lead 10-7, the last kick of the half Giles added a further penalty to give them a 13-7 lead.

Losing Markus Burcham for 10 minutes for the penalty offence that led to the last minute penalty made little difference as Neale added a penalty, then a further penalty when Thurrock were back to 15 players, at this point the game could have gone either way.

But Park showed much more clinical finishing as tries from Davies and Edwards took the game away, Giles added the conversion for the Davies try, replacement Simpson then added the conversion to Edwards try. Ben Timson gave some further hope when forwards got a score in the corner in between the two late tries but it was to no avail as Simpson then as time was up kicked a penalty to rub salt into a wounded Thurrock

TEAM: Neale, Farrell, Pruce (Loka 59m), Burcham, Barrand (Gorman 15m),Rudgeley, Cook, North, Durrance (Scott 56m), Bevans-Royston, Flavin, Ellis, Cooper-Hicks, Timson, Kellard,

Thurrock are at HOME to CS RUGBY this Saturday, kick off is 3.00pm