THE game started in a bit of disarray, as Thurrock’s scrum half was caught up in an accident on the A12. However Rhys Neill, starting just his second game for the 4ths, agreed to stand in and Barry Metson agreed to go in at out half, for only his second start in years?!
The Thurrock pack were soon demonstrating their power and managed to take several balls against the head via hooker Lionel Hayward. This of course put Ilford under considerable pressure. A line in the Ilford 22 was pressured, they scrambled it back, and kicked out, the ball was fielded by full back Micky Simmons, who fed to flanker Rees Collins, who fed to Elliott Keefe, to winger Blane Daly, who showed a pretty set of heels to his wing, who fed back inside to Keefe, who duly went over wide out. An outstanding try.
The next try came from a scintillating outside break by out half Metson, who fed on to Collins, who was supported by Neill, who went over in the corner. Thurrock were now winning 0 – 10 and were attacking from all over the park. In a rare venture into the Thurrock half, Ilford were awarded an offside penalty under the posts, which was duly converted. Ilford 3 – Thurrock 10.
Thurrock took another ball against the head and full back Simmons made 50 metres into touch with the kick. Thurrock spoiled this ball and made many ‘hard yards’ by pick and drive through Bridger and Driscoll. Ilford now had a period of dominance themselves, but determined tacking all round kept them out.
After a back line break by Neill in his own half, the ball was constantly recycled through backs and forwards, which led to returning veteran number 8 Steve Fox, making his first start of the season, to go in unopposed under the posts. Converted by Callow. Thurrock were now leading 2 – 17 at half time.
By this time Neill had replaced Metson at out half and scrum half Danny Kearney had arrived and taken his place. Ilford were now putting up much more of a resistance and even attacking the Thurrock line far more and it was only our magnificent defence which kept them out.
Thurrock of course were trying to up their pressure and were battering the Ilford line regularly, coming very, very close on two occasions through hooker Lionel Hayward and centre Tony Wilkins. Unfortunately there were no more scores from either side and Thurrock ran out winners 3 – 17.
Next week Thurrock have a return friendly fixture v Billericay at home KO at 2.15 pm.
