Conditions were muddy, and very exposed on the top on Upminster’s sloping pitch. Thurrock won the toss and elected to play uphill and against the wind. Today’s game was the first outing for a couple of players in senior rugby. Indeed Thurrock had three 17 year olds on the pitch in the second half.
After the usual brief exchanges, Thurrock finally scored through an intercept by newcomer Matt Whyman and consequent follow up interplay allowing veteran Frank Monk to score by the posts. Upminster hit back very quickly with a converted try and then extended their lead further by scoring 2 further tries. Thurrock turned round 17 – 5 at half time with it all to play for in the second half.
Thurrock came out guns blazing and scored three unanswered tries. The pick being a solo effort from young Matt Whyman, in his first senior game, who broke tackle after tackle to go in under the posts.
Unfortunately Thurrock then lost their way a bit and allowed Upminster a sniff of a comeback – which they took to the full. Upminster then scored and had this try converted. Another score would see them draw level and a conversion to win. And that is exactly what they did, as Thurrock allowed their lively scrum half to score under the posts with the conversion a formality.
Thurrock lost 29 – 27 in a great game of entertaining, free flowing rugby against a team riding high and seeking promotion in the League. Young Jack Galley, in his first senior game, gave a fine performance.
Man of the match was 17 year old Matt Whyman.
