Sudbury54, Thurrock 12

THURROCK travelled to Suffolk on Saturday to face a rampant Sudbury team, coached by ex-player Dick Sumner, and the home side were in a rich vein of form!

There was much anticipation for the Thurrock supporters who had made the long journey but it was obvious that the game would prove difficult as Director of Rugby Martin Jones was forced to make nine changes from the team that had beaten Southend the previous week.

Thurrock kicked off and Tom Worsfold put them in a good attacking position. The returning Jake Barrand was putting in some good touch-finders, but a couple of line-out errors meant that all momentum was lost as fly-half Cameron Ritchie used the strong breeze good effect.

Thurrock were pinned back near their own line and despite excellent tackling from Joss Nunn and Ben Timson Sudbury were awarded a penalty. Scrum-half Sam Rust took a quick tap and scuttled through for the opening score which Chris Lewis converted.

With Thurrock trying to launch a counter-attack from deep, Lewis himself, was able to intercept and sprint under the posts unopposed for an easy seven points.

Now the scrummage was starting to look a little testudinate and the Oakfield outfit struggled for possession. From another penalty Sudbury worked an overlap to send flying winger Jack Taylor over in the corner, a ploy he was to repeat in quick succession.

Nunn was desperately trying to breathe some life into the side, but starved of possession it was one way traffic. Sudbury were making their own luck, even a speculative kick falling into the hands of centre Jackson as they kept building a lead.

The Thurrock back row of Charlie Russo, Timson and Nunn is outstanding, but forced into the back foot, Cowling and Bixby were getting a much easier ride and a burst from Jackson put Henry Cowling in for the reliable Lewis to add the extras.

By half-time, the game was all but over as a contest, but as players got used to each other things began to improve, especially after the coaches asked the team to demonstrate pride and courage after the interval.

Tom Worsfold sustained a leg injury which sent Matt Siddle into the 10 position. Almost immediately, he threw a couple of dummies to put the visitors on the offensive. A fine line-out ploy saw the splendid Timson send Sam Reilly over in the corner.

A solid tackle on Ritchie by Ben Stanley, raised hopes and a hard run by Lewis Cross, boosted Thurrock, although a repeat of Harlequins second- half performance against Bristol in last year's Premiership semi- final was looking unlikely. Nevertheless, the attitude and pride were beginning to shine through.

A searing break by the irrepressible Nunn opened a gap for Dalton Carter to streak through for a second consolation try. Now Thurrock fought hard to get a bonus point, but Sudbury were too strong on the day and ran out victors by 54-12.

This was a stern test for the Thurrock youngsters and they must now learn from the experience. It was good to see Caolan Watts-Adams get some game time under his belt and opportunities for some of the players to stake their claim. With hard work, dedication and loyalty there are better times ahead!