Aylesford 18 v 15 T-Birds
DESPITE fighting their hearts out, the T-Birds came up agonisingly short against a huge and hugely committed Aylesford side who now take Thurrock’s Premier League slot for the next 2 seasons.
Having come from behind 3 times, The T-birds led the game for 30 minutes of the second half, only to concede a try in the dying minutes that condemned them to Championship Rugby.
Ts looked sluggish from the off and repeatedly lost the ball in contact to an Aylesford side who looked like they wanted it more. In only 4 minutes Aylesford were across the whitewash and 0-5 up. Despite being second best in the scrum, T’s lineout was supreme and from a powerful catch and drive, Gael (Frenchie) Marcassus quickly brought Thurrock level.
Minutes later they were behind again to a Penalty but once again the catch and drive was successful for Marcassus again and Ts finally led the game for the first time at 10-8.
Despite the strong headwind, Ts looked the better side for 15 minutes until with the half drawing to a close, a breakaway by the Aylesford New Zealand 12 Waru saw Ts once again behind at half time 10-13.
With the wind behind them, Thurrock threw themselves at Aylesford from the kick off. Once again, an Aylesford player was laying all over the ball at the breakdown and not before time the referee lost patience waved a card and gave her 10 minutes rest.
Making best use of the extra player, Thurrock finally managed to complete a backs move without missing a pass or dropping a ball and winger Rebecca Prosser put Ts back into the lead, 15-13.
Despite losing Jo convoy for 10 minutes in the bin as the referee evened things up, Thurrock now dominated for 30 minutes, finally getting some parity in the scrum as Aylesford’s big forwards tired.
Using the wind, Emily Scott pinned Aylesford in their own half and again and again, Thurrock were denied by committed tackles, dropped passes or some very bizarre refereeing decisions. With a backline including 3 internationals, it seemed as though Thurrock would score at any moment and make the game safe.
Unfortunately for Thurrock, the referee once again gave Aylesford the ball and for only the second time in the second half they got into Thurrock territory. A good kick through that resulted in a messy ruck again led to an Aylesford penalty and the quick thinking of their 12 Waru (who was the best player on the park) again saw them over the line.
Now behind 15-18, Ts camped on the Aylesford line as the clock ticked down and pressed and pressed for a score but to no avail.
Due to the impending Women’s Rugby World Cup and the extended absence of the Senior England players, there is no promotion or relegation from next year’s Premier League, so Thurrock T-Birds will have to make do with Championship Rugby for 2 seasons.
