Thurrock T-Birds 17, Trojans 12

IN horrible weather today (Sunday, 8 December) Thurrock T-Birds made hard work of a very improved Trojans side but eventually came through to record a Championship South victory.

Despite getting off to a fast start with Ami Parsad sniping from a driving maul, T-Birds were struggling to strung phases together and Trojans did not take long to equalise.

Thurrock went in at half time with the lead when Ellie Lawther put her foot down, showing her speed.

Trojans hit back in the second half again as they did not show any signs of giving up.

Thurrock's answer was to introduce some of the finishers from the bench including Sarah Dyche who returned from 22 months on the sideline through injury.

Shortly after Lizell Heather found a gap to power through and ensure Thurrock kept to their winning ways.

Results meant Thurrock went up to 2nd in the table just three points off the top.

Next week the T-Birds play their last game before Christmas when they travel to Henley.

Coach Andy Yarrow said: "Today was not pretty. But I'm a big believer in good teams can win ugly.

"The girls worked hard but struggled to go through the patterns in attack like we have in previous games.

"This is something we will adress at training this week as we know how important the bonus points will be in the new year.

"We know we are playing well and we will be ready to finish the year strongly at Henley next week.

"Today's game was a charity event for Little Havens Hospice, an amazing cause. Thank you to Little Havens for coming and sharing their story, our referee today who donated his expenses, and to everyone that played their part in making the charity event a huge success."