Haberdashers 27, Thurrock 14

THURROCK travelled to Croxdale Road on Saturday hoping to thread together a string of decent performances after the outstanding performance against high-flying Shelford the previous week.

Unfortunately they were undone, especially from the unyielding power of the old boys' loose head, a wily campaigner, arguably the top front-rower in this league. Thurrock got off to a reasonable start but were soon driven down the slope by the might of the Haberdashers' pack and with the elements at their back, Haberdashers were relentless! Nevertheless, it was winger, Jonny Whittle who outflanked the Thurrock defence to open the scoring and, from that point on, it was literally all uphill for the visitors. The old boys laid siege to the Thurrock line and it became more like the Alamo than Mafeking as relief looked less and less likely. The home side had built up a solid lead before a glint of light was opened up when Alex Jones spotted a gap, sold a dummy and shot under the posts for a fine solo effort which Dan Stone converted. With the half-time whistle providing a source of redemption, Thurrock turned around buoyed by the Jones try. Now as the home side faced a tide of Thurrock attacks, Bamburger at 10 was finding it increasingly difficult to clear his lines. Caolan Watts-Adams, made some tremendous charges and made a marginally better attempt at a Lokaesque tactical kick. He like Henry Bird, Niall Clifford and Ben Timson continued to give the strongest support to the young Oakfielders and , once again there was an opportunity to "close-out" this game. A second converted try put Thurrock in touching distance and, with Haberdashers reduced to 13 men, they looked odds-on to complete the victory. However it was not to be! Thurrock lost a player of their own once again and the Haberdashers won a priceless victory leaving Thurrock to rue yet another missed opportunity! This weekend Thurrock travel to play old rivals Southend at Warners Bridge. Having won the first encounter, Thurrock should be fully charged for the next episode of an intriguing history.