Shelford 15, Thurrock 3

THURROCK travelled to Cambridge on Saturday looking to capitalise on their improving form and reduced injury list against London One North pacesetters Shelford.

Happy to see the return of outstanding full-back Niall Clifford, lock Jay Jennings and the rapidly improving, Owen Taylor, the Oakfielders were seeking to climb the table.

Shelford has often been a happy hunting ground in bygone days, but the "days of wine and roses" are all too few! However, this was a spirited performance from Thurrock, still lacking four or five regulars, in a wind affected game. Ultimately, Shelford were a little bit too streetwise and home advantage on a 4G pitch was just enough to hold out.

Shelford went into a 15 point lead, with Tom Worsfold kicking a penalty for Thurrock.

Thurrock came back strongly with Kye Holloway continuing his impressive form. Jack Cowman, Anthony Catchpole and Frank Wright continued to impress, whereas the experience of Ben Stanley is invaluable.

Edd Stevens is showing real aggression at scrum- half, but a yellow card proved costly.

For much of the second half, the away side were dominant and deserved to take something from the game. Unfortunately a couple of set piece errors and the intransigence of the Shelford defence, denied Thurrock a bonus point.

So far Thurrock have played all the top teams and there is a feeling in the camp that all of these early season setbacks can be reversed!

Next week is a week off for the players, but on the 16th of October there is a home clash against the famous Haberdashers Club, preceded by a dinner organised by former captains.