THURROCK Rugby Club return to competitive action and start a new year at Oakfield this weekend.

In the first game of 2022, Thurrock entertain old rivals, Sudbury.

Sudbury have been in a rich vein of form all season having cut their teeth on an inexperienced Thurrock team in the first game of the season. Now flying high in London One North, the table-toppers have swept all before them this season and are looking to topple the Oakfielders again.

Nevertheless, best not to ignore a wounded animal and this young Thurrock team is capable of an upset and with players returning from injury and unenforced absence, the best is yet to come.

With Tom Worsfold back to his best and the Henry Bird, Niall Clifford axis bearing fruit, Thurrock looked in good shape in the exceptional derby win over Brentwood.

Thurrock and Sudbury have a long history of rivalry dating back to the early days of the Leagues and the National Cup.

Many of the older members will recall that former Thurrock legend and captain, Norman Brown, decamped to Sudbury in the seventies after gaining a headship in the region and going on to a stellar career in education, rugby and music. He is always welcomed to Thurrock, where he has spent many a soiree reminiscing and entertaining!

In the early days of the leagues, Sudbury showed great ambition by signing the Pinnegar brothers from Harlequins and outstanding All Black winger, Terry Wright who had stayed in the UK after a tour by the New Zealanders.

At this point they proved difficult opposition as they became the leading light in the Eastern Counties. Once again they are beginning to rebuild in style and will present themselves as favourites on Saturday.

But beware of the underdog, Thurrock's preferred rating!

We are all looking forward to 2022 with renewed optimism. Let's hope for a good spectacle and may the better team win.

The match kicks off at 2pm. You can watch a live stream of the game with commentary via this link.