Thurrock 12, Old Brentwoods 15

ON Sunday 9 May on pitch 1 at Oakfield, these two served up an intriguing encounter. In the past, whether home or away there is never more than one score between these two Youth rugby sides.

The first quarter was quite attritional, with both teams trying to win the physical battle and gain ground up the middle. Old Brentwoods had the better of these exchanges and broke through on 10 minutes and 20 minutes to make the score 10-0 at half time.

The third quarter started in similar vein but Thurrock managed to move the ball along the back line for Captain Joe Reynolds to release winger Mitchell Lilley for a try in the corner. The third quarter was the best period for Thurrock who followed up with some surging runs from De Breuk, Holding, Martorana and new boy, Mincu. It was Nico Martorana who finally made this pressure pay with a fine individual effort under the posts to leave McAllister with the easiest of try conversions. Thurrock 12 Old Brentwoods 10.

While Thurrock finished strongly in the last quarter, it was some intelligent playmaking and kicking from Old Brentwoods that led to their final winning try. Thurrock 12 Old Brentwoods 15.

Noticeable performances on the day for Thurrock came from flanker Nathan Ray, centre Nico Martorana and wingers Mitchell Lilley and Tommy Wells who did not get a generous supply of ball along the line but who dealt magnificently with what ball that they did get.

Thurrock u15s are out again this Sunday morning 16th May 11am at Oakfield v Rochford u15s.