Chingford 6, Thurrock 39 (Report by Ralph Henderson)

THURROCK'S run of top form continued with Saturday's (9 April) London One North win at Chingford-Sur-Reservoir on Saturday.

With Elonas Butrimas crying off at the last minute, Sam Jennings was drafted in to play alongside his brother, the ever-improving Jay. Dan Carey was also welcomed back into the colours and this stalwart was never going to let his side down.

Thurrock wasted no time in getting to grips with the task ahead and some good driving play by the pack gave the perpetually impressive, Henry Bird the opportunity to slice through the home defence on a great angle. Bird has been in outstanding form this season and this was a typically muscular performance from this tremendous player.

Another in immaculate form is Tom Worsfold and, since he has reverted to full-back is playing like a fish in water! His fielding, kicking and positioning were of the highest order and befitting for this fine student of the game. He has mastered the art of the 50/22 rule and is proving a top exponent of it. Inevitably, he converted Bird's try.

Now Thurrock entered a reckless period where they repeatedly found themselves in the Chingford 22, only to "butcher" the opportunities through a series of knock-ons and over-zealous passing.

Their slick moves emanating from half-backs, Alex Jones and Niall Clifford came to naught as the attacks needed to be a little flatter and more compact. Long miss passes have a greater margin for error and are easier for opponents to read. Nevertheless, this is an embyonic team, full of youthful enthusiasm and it is getting better every week.

This early profligacy encouraged Chingford and Vuilla, on the wing, found a gap on the outside which he exploited to the full, before an inside pass went to ground.

During this period of Thurrock somnambulance, Matthew Whiting kicked a couple of firm penalties, before Worsfold stroked over one of his own.

Thurrock tightened up their delivery and, once again, it was that man, Henry Bird! Coming in as first receiver, the surprise deceived the defence and he cut through before feeding the perfect inside pass to the delight of Rob Murphy It was good to see Murphy on the scoreboard after last week's cameo performance at full-back. Worsfold obliged with the extras, before building the lead with a straightforward penalty.

A strong talking to by coach Tuson at half-time had the desired effect as Thurrock tightened up their attack after the break.

A superb bout of inter-passing saw the ball being handled by almost every player before skipper Russo gained an excellent touch-down.

The ever-alert, Caolan Watts-Adams was the beneficiary of some powerful scrummaging from Frank Wright, Lawrence Brown, Jack Cowman and Dritan Loka. As the ball shot free, Watts-Adams saw his chance and will never score an easier try.

Kodie Holloway was proving to be a real nuisance at the break down and is another real find ftom the youth.

With the result now a foregone conclusion, step forward Ahmed Aminou! This young man is a splendis tackler and kick chaser, but when he saw the opportunity to run with the ball he accelerated through a gap and with a series of powerful changes of direction, he completed the rout with a brilliant solo effort.

This had been a game where not everything had turned to gold, but winning becomes a habit, as the clichè goes!

Thurrock had completed the double and posted another significant marker for next season. There will be tougher challenges ahead, but this Thurrock team have the appetite and ambition. Next season should see all the hard work rewarded.

Thurrock's final game of the season sees old rivals, Eton Manor visit Oakfield on Saturday, 23 April 23. It should be a cracker!