T-Birds 41, Hove 10

THURROCK T-Birds kicked off the new decade in the same blistering form they finished the last.

Old rivals Hove visited Oakfield on Sunday looking to complete the double over the T-Birds. But a strong defensive display ensure Thurrock picked up the bonus point victory to go back to the top of the Championship Table.

At half time Thurrock went in 10-5 up. The scoreline flattered Hove who had one breakaway try in a half dominated by the T-Birds who were just lacking that final pass.

Thurrock forwards have come along way this season and their work at the scrum to turn ball over was giving Hove no platform to play from.

Once the Thurrock forwards got the better of Hove at the breakdown the backs were in free flow spreading the ball wide or finding gaps in the Hove defence to put on a good show for the loyal Thurrock fans.

Try scorers were India Harvey (2), Niketa Akintade (2), Francesca Jordan and Ami Parsad. Lizell Heather added three conversions.

The bonus point victory goes to show the desire of the Thurrock players who made it six wins on the bounce.

With two games left to play in the league before the National Cup campaign begins the Championship title is very much in Thurrock's hands. If second place Blackheath lose at Hove in a fortnight's time and T-Birds beat the very unpredictable Old Albanians Saints then Thurrock will claim another league title.

Following the last home league game of the season coach Andy Yarrow said: "If at the start of the day you had told me we would have a dominant scrum against arguably the biggest and strongest pack in the league, a bonus point win, a table topping start to 2020, and an early shot at winning the Championship next time out I would most certainly have taken it!

"The girls have dug deep this season and the prospect of another league title is exciting. There is something special about this year, the team are tight as one one have genuinely worked hard.

"I am proud of them for getting back to the top of the table a real achievement considering our start in September.

"As a team we spoke post game about being top of the table putting a big target on our backs and there is no place for complacency over the next two games. The hard work continues!

"Today we wasn't clinical enough in the first half if a few passes had gone to hand there were a lot more points out there but that being said you cant moan when you beat a strong Hove side by 30+ points.

"Thank you to all the supporters over the season, you really are the 16th player at times. We look forward to seeing you at OA's or back at Oakfield for the National Cup campaign."