Thurrock 4ths played the only game for Thurrock on a big international weekend, picking up a Pegs/Palmerians II nd / I st team away. There was plenty of availablity for Thurrock for once?!
The game started well for Pegs and their back division nearly scored on several occasions, but were kept out by a stout T’s defence. From a defensive line out in Thurrock’s 22, Reece Cunningham at fly half, one of two sets of fathers and sons playing for T’s today, was able to break out, where he kicked ahead several times and when the Pegs full back fumbled, the ball popped up straight into his hands and he scored near the posts. The try went unconverted. Thurrock then soaked up plenty of pressure and kicked sensibly, notably by young Tom Worsfold, playing his first game for Thurrock 4ths at scrum half. However, Pegs very useful backs finally broke through and they also scored near the posts and gained the conversion. Pegs turned round 7 – 5 at the break.
Thurrock then changed a number of players, (introducing amongst others Joss Nunn for his first senior game of rugby at open side), to allow all a game and things started to go well, as their forwards started to take control. However, with a rare entry into the Thurrock 22, Pegs were awarded a penalty which they converted to lead 10 – 5. The Thurrock pack then upped the tempo and were gaining quality, quick ball at will, which eventually allowed Matt Whyman to round his man in a sweeping move to score a great individual try. Converted by Tom Worsfold. Thurrock then led 10 – 12. The Thurrock pressure began to tell and Pegs gave away several penalties, one of which was converted by Tom Worsfold. It was now 10 – 15. With the introduction of Spooner Bridger, debutante Steffan North, Brian Hunter to the front row results were immediate, with the very first ball being taken against the head, for scrum half Tom Worsfold to break blind and then to pop up to No 8 Lee Herrington, who crashed over for the try, which was unconverted. There was still plenty of life in Pegs and it was only a last gasp tackle by debutante centre Dan Kemp, that stopped Pegs scoring again.
The final score ended as Pegs/Palmerians 10 – Thurrock 20. This was a good, competitive game, between two well matched sides, to set up the afternoon viewing of Scotland v England.
Man of the Match was Tom Worsfold, who controlled the forwards well, passed accurately and kicked out of hand to good effect.
