Thurrock 57, H.A.C. 15

THURROCK entertained promoted H.A.C. at Oakfield on Saturday and thrilled the large crowd with a sparkling performance and an emphatic London One South win.

The Honourable Artillery Company R.F.C. was formed in 1896 and originally was made up of military personnel. They have a magnificent ground in the heart of the city often used by Saracens and gained promotion last season.

Thurrock made a storming start and after some slick handling made headway into the HAC half. A sensational run from Tom Pool, which was so typical of his outstanding form, found skipper Charlie Russo in support to open Thurrock's account. Jake Barrand easily slotted the conversion.

A secure exit and fine kick from Barrand gave the home side valuable territory and, following an error by HAC, Jake Barrand increased the lead with an accurate penalty.

At this stage the Thurrock pack, with Wilkins, Wileman and Carey to the fore, was beginning to dominate territory. As play began to flow from side to side, some first rate linking by Alex Jones and Dylan Fearon released a refreshed Dan Stone on the wing. With a flourish, he accelerated away to score a top class try from the left wing. Barrand was unable to add the extras from wide out.

Thurrock were now proving irresistible with Barrand attacking from the full-back position and combining well with Niall Clifford in the"13channel". After a typical Barrand surge, scrum-half Jake Bedding ran to the blind-side. Unable to find a gap, he was able to pivot, twist to the open-side where a gap opened up like the Dartford Tunnel! Unable to believe his luck, he was able to sprint in close to the posts for a fine individual effort that Barrand converted with consummate ease.

When Dritan Loka won an attacking line-out, the ball was moved crisply across the field and after some accurate play by Clifford, the ball reached flying winger Stone. The youngster found no difficulty rounding the cover defence to score his second of the day in a convincing return to form.

At every level left wingers are top try scorers because most people are better passers off the right hand and this expedites passage of the ball to the left wing. By switching Stone to the left wing and Barrand to full-back, coach Martin Jones had pulled off a master stroke!

Nevertheless, Kye Holloway on the right soon got in on the act with a ruthless piece of finishing. Barrand hit a tremendous touchline conversion as Thurrock concluded a great half 36-0 ahead in their most comprehensive performance to date.

At the commencement of the second half Thurrock were shocked as HAC regained possession from the kick off and sauntered over unopposed. However, this served only to remind Thurrock of the need to keep attacking.

A superb break out from the peerless Joss Nunn saw him carry half the length of the field and, as the ball was recycled the ball reached the gigantic Dritan Loka. Gathering pace, Loka smashed through a bemused defence and, in spite of stumbling, scored a well-deserved try for Barrand to add the extras.

Thurrock were now cock-a-hoop and playing some remarkable rugby. Tom Pool, having a magnificent season, once again showed what a class operator he is. Receiving the ball 30 metres out he shimmied, stepped and swerved through gaps before recording a special solo try. Again Barrand converted.

Next the Pool decided he would make his mark from full-back. Demonstrating his power, skill and speed, he proved impossible to stop as he careered through the dispirited HAC defence.

Amazingly HAC scored two late tries of their own, but this was scant consolation as they had been destroyed by Thurrock's firepower!

This was Thurrock's third successive win and demonstrated what a formidable outfit they are when they have all players fit and in form. This was a splendid treat for their many supporters around the world and augurs well for the New Year.

With the new school building starting to take shape, it looks as if there is an exciting year ahead! Next week Thurrock hope to continue their fine run against a powerful Medway outfit.