Ladies 1’s
Tough game against already promoted champions of the league who gained a 1-0 win over a reduced Thurrock side.
However Thurrock showed their current league position doesn’t reflect their ability, and should have won the game.
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Thurrock 2 played Havering 3 winning 3-1. Thurrock were dominant throughout and played well.
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Ladies 3’s should have played Basildon today but Basildon have been kicked out of the league for player discrepancies. Thurrock awarded a 3-0 win.
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Men’s 1’s had no fixture today.
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Division 7 South East.
Thurrock Men’s 2nd team v Maldon men’s 2nd team. 2-0 to Thurrock.
Thurrock entertained top of the table Maldon on Saturday and expected a hard game following a 6-2 defeat at Maldon earlier in the season and a win virtually guaranteeing Maldon the title.
Maldon started strongly putting the Thurrock defence under a lot of pressure, and managed to win a number of penalty corners, which were being strongly struck by the Maldon skipper.
The first strike was superbly saved by Danny Hick, but struck him on the elbow which caused pain throughout the game.
Thurrock managed to put some pressure back on Maldon towards halftime and goals from Ricky Smith and Jordan Salmon relieved some of the pressure.
Maldon had even more penalty corners in the second half, but again failed to convert.
Thurrock hung on for all 3 points. They remain 5th with little chance of promotion this season. Last game of the season next week away to Crostyx.
EAST LONDON 8th 7 THURROCK 3rd 2
When these two teams met earlier in the season, Thurrock were by far the better team winning 2-0, however it was a much-changed East London side they faced on this occasion.
The home team went on the attack from the first whistle forcing Thurrock into defence and going ahead after only five minutes when a shot took a wicked deflection and crept inside Dave Leeks far post.
East London maintained their pressure intercepting Thurrock’s clearances and pulling defenders out of position with some skilful passes. It was no surprise when half time arrived to find Thurrock behind by five goals.
A reorganisation of formation after the break allowed Thurrock to make progress up the pitch and put some pressure on the home defence with Jack Couch and Cameron Ruff both going close with shots following some good work in midfield by Max Blake, Jo Harvey and Callum Harvey.
Midway through the half Dudley McNamara collected the ball and made a strong run before passing to Michael Fleming who hammered the ball into the net. this inspired Thurrock and they began to play the better hockey in the East London half. unfortunately an intercepted pass on the Thurrock 25 metre line allowed a speedy forward to cut in and force a short corner which produced a sixth goal.
Undaunted, Thurrock continued to see more of the ball and Ryan Jones intercepted an East London pass and moved the ball up the field before passing to Callum Harvey who quickly moved it on to Michael Fleming allowing him to drive into the D and nutmeg the advancing keeper for Thurrock’s second goal.
Thurrock continued to dominate the game forcing East London into defence but were unable to add to their score.
In the final minute a breakaway by East London looked to be dealt with by Dave Leeks but as he advanced to clear the shot he was tripped and the ball was put into the net by an speedy attacker.
Man of the match was Bradley Rust who played in several positions to maintain Thurrock’s second- half dominance.
This was Thurrock 3s final league game but they have a friendly at Palmers next week at 2.00 against Crostyx.
