Eton Manor 44 Thurrock 19

THURROCK travelled to Nutter Lane on Saturday to renew rivalries against old adversaries Eton Manor to open their League account in their return to London 1 North.

This was always going to be a "baptism of fire" for the six debutants, but when the outstanding Ben Timson was forced to pull out on the morning of the game, a seventh new player was pressed into action.

Thurrock began reasinably well, but a high tackle led to a penalty and thereafter Thurrock frequently got on the wrong side of the referee.

After one exciting handling move, the Manor broke clear only to be halted by a brilliant scything tackle by full- back Niall Clifford. Initially new front row of Jack Cowman, Mike McDonagh and Lawrence Brown were more than holding their own, before they were penalised after a " wheel" from the home side.

Jay Jennings was stealing some line-out ball in the absence of Tani Loka and a sharp break from Alex Jones almost brought rewards.

However, just when it looked as if Thurrock were gaining momentum, they were penalised or put boot to ball rather than re-cycling possession.

Then Manor started to take control, with No.8 David Ogfere driving hard at the Thurrock midfield. Indeed this powerful back- rower was the key to the home side's success. After one of his many charges, fly- half Jack Emerson orchestrated a flowing passing movement that led to a try by winger Luke Watson outflanking the Thurrock backs. Emerson converted.

With their confidence growing, Manor were now in the ascendancy and a series of poor kicks gave away possession which invariably resulted in scoring opportunities. Some last ditch defending by Daulton Carter and Kye Holloway kept the score down, but as soon as

the line was breached, the hosts came away with points.

Centres Scott Smith and Aaron Lowe were proving a good combination and, in spite of some aggressive defence from the exemplary Henry Bird and Tom Worsfold, the floodgates opened with 39 unanswered points.

An injury to Jack Cowman, allowed young Frank Wright to enter the fray , while Dan Ulph replaced Lawrence Brown. After his lightning break, an achilles injury to Alex Jones meant a return for the ever combative Edd Stevens.Anthony Catchpole did his best to shore up the defence, while the versatile Rob Murphy used clever footwork to break out of defence.

In spite of skipper Charlie Russo's exhortations, Thurrock were unable to break the stranglehold and, much as they tried, took far too long to get into the game. Then, when all seemed lost the effervescent Joss Nunn started to make inroads. Henry Bird, supported by Owen Taylor went on some bruising forays From a set- piece, a beautiful right-footed side-step from Tom Worsfold opened Thurrock's account, which he converted himself.

Suddenly Thurrock grew in confidence themselves and yet another barnstorming run from the irrepressible Jos.s Nunn brought its reward. With the pack now asserting itself, Thurrock drove Dan Ulph over for a third unanswered try.

Although Eton Manor were down to 14 they still conjured up the final score courtesy of more fine work by Ogfere.

The final scoreline was deserved by an excellent Eton Manor performance, but Thurrock can take heart from an improved second half rally and the knowledge that some key players will return to strengthen the squad.

This Saturday (11 September), Thurrock entertain old rivals, Southend at Oakfield. Kick -off is at 2:30pm. There are still a few places left for the pre- match lunch.