Thurrock Ladies 40, Blackheath 32

"No words can currently describe how the team are feeling at the moment due to the sudden passing of our dear Jeff.

"Jeff was a credit to the T-Birds, the club and to anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him. He showed his support every week, whether it be standing on the sideline at Oakfield or driving to Plymouth for the weekend to cheer us on. Jeff was incredibly supportive of the T-Birds and for that, we will be eternally grateful." – India Harvey,Thurrock Ladies' captain. THE air crackled with emotion at Thurrock Oakfield on Sunday as Thurrock Ladies' and their opponents Blackheath walked silently from the new changing rooms at Orsett Heath Academy. So fitting that the opponents were the world's oldest rugby club and offered a formidable challenge on this most exacting of occasions. "There have been afternoons at Abertillery when the valleys have never looked so lovely, and during games at Bonymaen one has looked up at the familiar, ancient and snow-capped moors and realized yet again that it is from those hills that we will derive our strength."- Peter Stead, "Heart and Soul, The Character of Welsh Rugby." Oakfield didn't let us down and looked resplendent on a glorious early early winter's day as the teams made their respectful journey to the centre of the field to the passionate resonance of "Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" There wasn't a dry eye to be seen as the applause in memory of Jeff Selway echoed around the stadium. All that was needed now was a game befitting of the occasion and, unsurprisingly, we were treated to one of the most exciting and entertaining games ever witnessed at Thurrock! Blackheath were a "force majeure" and started the game like a runaway train. Their locks and No.8 were extraordinary athletes and dominated the early exchanges. Their wingers were fleet of foot and, incredibly, Blackheath seemed unstoppable as they built momentum and went into what seemed an unassailable lead. They quickly amassed 22 points using the driving maul to batter the Thurrock defences. Luckily Thurrock have an outstanding team of highly experienced coaches in director of rugby Dean White, England International Emily Scott, Andy Yarrow, Jake Matthews and Mark Harvey. They ensured that the team remained patient, adhered to the game plan and built the phases to get back into contention. The back row of Francesca Thomas, Sam Willmott and the irrepressible Maddy Lockwood started to bring real energy to the Thurrock game, whilst the effervescent Georgia Cook (who still kicks like the scrum-half she used to be), Leah Dixon and Sophia John, of French extraction, started to dominate the scrums. With Claire Phelps and Nicole Smith undertaking some heavy- duty carrying, the tide was beginning to turn and just before half-time centre Ellie Lawther opened Thurrock's account after fine approach work by the pack. This gave the home team hope at half-time. The second- half saw a complete transformation. India Harvey, the captain, is always inspirational, but when she unexpectedly took to the field just weeks after recovering from a broken foot, spirits visibly lifted. Within minutes of entering the fray, one of the best players never to be capped at senior level came into play. Accelerating on to a pass from fly-half Lucy Biggs, India beat her opposite number with a sharp, left- footed side-step before straightening up .Just as it seemed that she would go under the posts, a fine tackle just stopped her short. However, this was just the catalyst the Oakfielders needed and confidence grew as half-backs Biggs and Ami Parsad started to orchestrate proceedings under the watchful eye of Emily Scott. There were still some testing times for an excellent back three of Hannah Thornhill, the versatile Alice Goss and full-back Annalise Keeley, but the whole team were now imposing their will on their dangerous opponents. All of the substitutes played their part, even though one or two couldn't quite get on. The supporting role of Sarah Dyche, Megan Harris, Poppy Jones, Melissa Shelton, Jade Wong and Izzy Lush was invaluable in maintaining momentum as were the management of Yvonne Lawther and expertise of Jesse, the physio! Sophia John, Sam Willmott and Claire Phelps scored outstanding tries and Annalise Keeley's reliable kicking restored the lead, before Blackheath burst back into the game. Just as it seemed as if the home side would prevail, the visitors would respond with some fine play of their own. This was becoming a " white-knuckle" ride with the large crowd becoming increasingly edgy. They needn't have worried, it seemed, when Claire Phelps hit a dynamic line and waltzed in for her second try! But Blackheath still found a riposte with another score to reduce the arrears to a single point! Thurrock rallied again and Lizell Heather brought the "Grandstand finish" the occasion demanded. Lizell is a wonderful player and a typically determined break, splintered the Blackheath defence as she brought the game to the crescendo that the occasion demanded with the most spectacular diving try. Annalise converted to the delight of the crowd and the curtain came down on this most memorable of games. All that remained was for the traditional T-Birds 'address to the crowd and, on this occasion, this was delivered with such eloquence and passion by one of Jeff's favourites, Ami Parsad, aka "Radders"! This was one of the most impassioned and moving experiences that Oakfield has ever known and a fitting finale in memory of Jeff Selway. More accolades were made to Jeff by Club President Brian Howells and his wife, Diane, as they made the post- match awards to:

Forward of the match: Claire Phelps.

Back of the match: Lizell Heather.

Sponsored Player of the match: India Harvey

This had been one of the most awe-inspiring and monumental days in the history of this great club and is best summed up in the words of Thurrock and England phenomenon and former Ladies' captain, Mercedes Foy.

"Jeff Selway, I have such wonderful memories of you and will never forget the moments we shared. Thurrock Rugby Football Club has lost a man who dedicated so much of his life, energy and passion to the club; a true everyday rugby hero.

"You were the first person to give Thurrock T-Birds the support we needed. You were with us every step of the way, following us around the country, creating your cheeky programmes and just being our number one supporter on and off the pitch.

"I will always remember how brave you were and getting to see your big smiley face, while giving you the biggest squeeze ever, really made my summer.

"Thank you my special friend. I love you. I miss you. I will never forget you. Sending my love to Christine, James, the family, Welsh gang and T.R.F.C.friends."

JEFF SELWAY 1952-2021

• Unfortunately, due to a copyright ruling placed on the film by You Tube we have had to mute the music and words of 'Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' played as T-Birds came onto the pitch. We have applied to have the restriction lifted given the circumstances.