SSE NATIONAL 3 (LSE)
Old Elthamians 28 v 25 Thurrock
THURROCK suffered heartbreak in this game when conceding an injury time try that see the home side cruelly snatch victory with the very last play of the game, up to that point the game was very evenly poised and it looked as if Thurrock would take the spoils as they just edged the match overall.
The visitors got off to a great start within 13 minutes found themselves 8-0 ahead firstly with a Frankie Neale penalty, quickly followed by a try, which was created by a great run from Neale who capitalised on quick ball from the forwards giving the chance for Nat Farrell to crash into the corner, Neale failed with the conversion attempt.
The joy however was pretty short lived, when Bennett made most of some Thurrock defensive errors following a set scrum the winger cruised over, giving White a simple conversion, he then slotted a penalty from the half way line as the resultant kick off did not go 10 metres and Thurrock were penalised from the resultant scrum, Thurrock now trailed 10-8. The home side continued to defend well against Thurrock’s determined attack and when they were able to get into the Thurrock 22, they made it count with Lewis scoring a well taken try, converted again by White. Neale was just short with a long range effort on the last play of the half, leaving the score 17-8 at the break.
Thurrock started the second half in great style, tries from Neale and Lewis Pruce, both converted by Neale took the game by the scruff of the neck and Thurrock again found themselves in front, as the quick 14 point turnaround see them lead 22-17
The game was a tense affair not helped by an over fussy referee, but White added a penalty, to bring OE’s within 2 points, he then scored another with minutes to go to put them in front 23-22. However Thurrock went straight back into attacking mode and Neale slotted his second penalty to retake the lead. With the clock running down Thurrock had possession but a stray pass gave the home side one last chance and despite a great cover tackle from Josh Cook the winger managed to flick the ball up for Reeve who was on hand to send the home supporters into a great frenzy, and Thurrock just can look on totally gutted after such a tremendous effort.
TEAM: Neale, Farrell, Pruce, Gorman, Barrand, Rudgeley, Cook, Yeomans, Durrance, Bevans-Royston, Flavin, Cooper-Hicks, Timson, Kellard, Rettigan
Rep; Rate, Thomas, Boshell
Thurrock are at HOME to HERTFORD this Saturday, kick off is 3pm
