Thurrock produced a fine disciplined performance at a windy Oakfield, on Saturday. With a large crowd boosted, by the VP Lunch prior to the match. Having won the toss the home side decided to play with slight advantage of a very strong wind, but no matter what Thurrock managed to create in attack, the visitors matched in defence, and in fact despite being in the opponents half for the first 30 minutes it remained scoreless.
The pressure from Thurrock started to build and Colchester were now giving away penalties in an attempt to stop quick release of the ball, and when a yellow card reduced Colchester to 14, Thurrock made no mistake with Earl Gorman finding a well worked gap, to cruise in under the posts, he also kicked the conversion despite missing an earlier penalty attempt in unfavourable kicking conditions, to lead 7-0 which was the only score of the first half.
Turning round home supporters probably believed a 7 point advantage was not enough, but the players had other ideas winning the ball from their own kick off see the change of tactics bear fruit as they kept the ball tight, impressing the watching Harlequins 2nd Row Jim Evans, the forwards gave a fantastic second half display, that pinned Colchester in the own half for long periods. And their hard work and endeavour resulted in a try for full back Darryl Worster to extend the lead to 12-0
Thurrock continued to dominate and prove they can adapt to any situation and backs started to have running opportunities and Thurrock started to look dangerous from all angles, and a lesser team would have succumbed a lot earlier. Further tries in the last quarter came from Bradleigh Rettigan after a great kick and chase from Nat Farrell, the forwards took over and Rettigan did the rest. Then the last play of the match, another catch and drive see Aaron Woodward go over to put the icing on the cake. The man of the match was given to scrum half Andy Eaton, whose distribution and work with the forwards helped Thurrock to record their 8th League success.
Team Darryl Worster, Neil Wakefield , Ben Stanley, Earl Gorman, Nathan Farrell, Ian Rudgely, Andy Eaton, Dave Stevens, Dan Carey, Billy Smith, Andy Kettleton, Aaron Woodward, Ben Timson, Rob Batho, Bradleigh Rettigan, Rep: Ben Partridge, Karl Warren, Sonny Gay
This week Thurrock have a rest week, and their next game is at Sudbury on 28th, coach will leave the club at 11.45am
