Thurrock 34, Colchester 19

DESPITE the insatiable work of Thurrock's incredible ground staff, Saturday's game against Colchester was transferred to the third pitch where coaches Dave Stevens and Sally Tuson elected to play with the strong wind in the first-half in order to build confidence and, hopefully a substantial lead.

After a pointless first 15 minutes this decision looked decidedly questionable, with the wind and the rain appearing to strengthen as the match wore on.

But after 15 minutes Harry Reynolds kicked a penalty to ignite the scoreboard.

When a pack gains dominance and the half- backs control the game, a positive outcome is inevitable! The young pack of Jack Cowman, Lawrence Brown, Caolin Watts-Adams, Jay Jennings and Kodie Holloway were magnificently supported by Ben Timson, Ant Catchpole and skipper, Charlie Russo.

Alex Jones and Niall Clifford began to control the game and Henry Bird crashed through the Colchester defence with a succession of switch moves. Just as the Colchester defence prepared for yet another " scissors", the former Ulsterman threw a dummy which consolidated the Thurrock lead.

Unfortunately, a hanging restart was brilliantly caught by the Colchester flanker who went over unopposed.

Thurrock stormed back with a try from wall-breaking battering ram, Russo. The captain is demonstrating real form and leadership.

With Henry Bird and Joss Nunn attracting so much attention, Alex Jones chose the moment to hoodwink the defence with the perfect dummy!

Next a slick passing movement allowed fleet-footed finisher Dan Stone to fly in for his customary try.

It was with some trepidation that the Oakfielders, turned around to face the elements. Alex Jones now deployed the "box-kick" which blew the ball back into Thurrock hands. Ahmed Aminou was at his best, tackling and jackalling and when Tani Loka, Elonas Butrimas and Kye Holloway entered the fray the tempo was raised higher!

Thurrock were "turning the screw" and tightening their grip on the game and the result was put beyond doubt when full- back Harry Reynolds joined an attack before setting up a ruck. Almost miraculously, he extricated himself and turned up on the opposite wing to run in an outstanding try.

Lawrence Brown and Kodie Holloway were clearing out at the break- down and , even though Colchester scored a couple of late tries, there was only ever going to be one outcome.

This was a 100 turnaround from the reverse fixture, but Thurrock's youngsters had come of age and the coaches' tactics were completely vindicated as Thurrock achieved their best result of the season.