Thurrock 33, Amersham & Chiltern 39

THURROCK were left bemoaning their luck after the Amersham coach admitted that his team had "Got out of jail" in this Oakfield thriller!

Having been forced to make nine changes, the previous week, Thurrock were undone by a combination of the misbegotten interpretation of the new drop-out law and a master-class by Lloyd Anderson at full-back for Amersham.

Thurrock stormed into the attack from the outset, heeding the coaches' exhortations to start with attitude and aggression. Kye Holloway went close after a determined foray and a clever line-out manoeuvre, orchestrated by coach Stevens, almost brought the first score.

Thurrock actually got over the line on a couple of occasions, but the new laws state that unless there is a clear grounding, the defending side must drop out from behind their own line. The logic being this will prevent the incessant mauls and rucks we had become familiar with. The problem is that, at this level, the absence of a TMO means that the referee is the sole arbiter and often in no position to make an accurate decision!

It was all Thurrock in terms of territory and possession, the line-outs operating well and the solid scrummage was allowing Ben Timson and Joss Nunn to penetrate the gàin-line. Furthermore, skipper Charlie Russo was back to his old ebullient self, puncturing the defence with his muscularity.

Just as a home score appeared inevitable, Amersham full-back Anderson demonstrated why he is a top class operator. After a sharp piece of opportunism from scrum-half Ben Harris, Anderson broke free and accelerated beyond the cover defence to link with centre, Noah Jarvis. Some neat inter-passing saw wing Peter Hughes, under the posts for Ollie Choules to easily add the extras.

This was completely against the run of play, but not to be deterred, Thurrock charged headlong into the opposition. A poor kick gave Anderson another chance to break out. This time this beautifully balanced athlete showed everyone a clean pair of heels, before an undetected forward pass found Dan Kingsley in support to touch down. Surprisongly, Choules missed the easy extras!

Amersham were clinical in their processes and it was no surprise when they extended their lead with a long range penalty from Noah Jarvis.

Although 18-0 ahead, Amersham were now showing signs of fatigue. A strong burst by Kye Holloway and powerful support from Kiwi, Ben Stanley, was only just halted short. Holloway, formerly a scrum-half, was first to react and thoroughly deserved to open Thurrock's account. The ever-reliable Tom Worsfold converted from wide out.

As they attempted to capitalise on their superiority, they were once again denied a touch down from a forward drive. It was vital that Thurrock stayed in contention, but a darting run by Harris found Choules in support for an easy try and equally easy conversion.

Amersham led by 25-7 at half-time and were in control of the scoreboard, much against the run of play.

Just when it appeared that Thurrock's superior fitness would pay dividends, the second half took on the same characteristics as the first! A freak bounce let the opposition in for a simple converted try, Jake Barrand being injured in the process!

Matt Siddle came on to play 10 , with the footballing skills of Tom Worsfold enabling a smooth transition to 15. Worsfold was now entering the attack from deep and soon a rapid intercession and pass by Rob Murphy put Ben Timson through a gap to reduce the arrears.

Good positioning by Worsfold and a powerful surge saw him open a gap for Lewis Cross to power over. Worsfold kicked an awkward conversion.

In an ever changing landscape, Worsfold made a try saving tackle, before an infringement allowed Harris a quick tap to send Hughes in to stretch the lead to 39-19.

The field was littered with casualties and Thurrock were undeniably stronger, but time was running out. Loka, Watts-Adams ,Russo and Nunn were revelling in Dan Ulph's accurate throwing, with Catchpole and Cowman carrying and scrummaging strongly. When Lawrence Brown and Frank Wright entered the fray, this gave fresh impetus to the offensive and it seemed as if the Oakfielders would have the final say.

Another impressive run by Holloway,set up the incredibly consistent Joss Nunn for a much deserved try, only to be frustrated once again as the ref, once again, called for a try-line drop out!

Justice was done almost immediately, when a rampaging Stanley bullocked his way through couple of defenders to put a jubilant Matt Siddle in for his maiden try. Worsfold brought the score to 26-39 to set up a 'grandstand finish'!

Yet another flourish from Holloway, who was having one of his best games, set up Ben Timson.

Not waiting for the referee's judgement this time, the home No. 8 sold a lovely dummy before crashing over for his second try. Now, with the last kick of the game, Worsfold, nervelessly brought the home team within seven to claim the second bonus point. This had been a great comeback, but with a little more luck and precision, Thurrock should have taken all five points and the scalp of one of the early front runners!

However, it would be churlish not to applaud the heart and spirit which was the essence of a great spectacle for the sun-bathed crowd.

Next week, Thurrock travel to Cambridge to face table-toppers, Shelford on their new pitch.