News in Thurrock

Thurrock Ladies 19, Bath Ladies 0

I ALWAYS remember the great Maggie Alphonsi coming down to Thurrock Oakfield during the Mercedes Foy era and telling me that this was by far and away, the best venue in the women's game (writes Ralph Henderson)!

TWO borough sides are in action this evening, which offers the possibility of Aveley going back to the top of the Isthmian North table.

The Millers travel to Maldon & Tiptree where a win against the Jammers would see them leapfrog leaders Canvey Island and second-placed Stowmarket Town.

AVELEY'S hopes of going back to the top of the Isthmian North were denied this evening (Tuesday, 15 March) after the Millers were held to a goalless draw at Maldon and Tiptree.

The point lifted Aveley one place to second, a point behind leaders Canvey and level with Stowmarket on 63 points, but with a better goals difference. Stowmarket also have a match in hand so their trip to Parkside to meet Aveley on Saturday, 26 March could be pivotal as the title race goes right down to the wire.

HOPE springs eternal and East Thurrock United players and supporters were in upbeat mood after Saturday's Isthmian Premier win against Kingstonian at Rookery Hill – a first double of the season for the Rocks.

The win was all the better as it showed real resilience after East Thurrock went behind to Kenny Beaney's goal just after the half hour.

GRAYS Athletic will be hoping to boost their play-off aspirations in the Isthmian North's match of the day at Stowmarket this afternoon (Saturday, 12 March).

The Blues travel to Greens Meadow in fourth place, to face the Suffolk side who sit second.

East Thurrock United 0, Worthing 1

THERE was a deep sense of disappointment at Rookery Hill on Tuesday (8 March) where massive underdogs and relegation-haunted East Thurrock belied their lowly position and gave the Isthmian Premier leaders a real run for their money.

THURROCK rugby club Captain Charlie Russo will join an exclusive group of players to feature in 200 games for Tees when he leads out his team against Leighton Buzzard on Saturday (12 March) - fresh from an impressive victory last weekend against highly-rated Colchester.

Russo was one of an outstanding group of players who learned their trade at Willuam Edwards School under the guidance of coach, Martin Eyles. Indeed with team-mates Ben Timson, Ben Stanley, Aaron Burns, Reece Cunningham and Reece Collins, Chris Doran and - this team reached the quarter-finals of the England Sevens!

Thurrock 34, Colchester 19

DESPITE the insatiable work of Thurrock's incredible ground staff, Saturday's game against Colchester was transferred to the third pitch where coaches Dave Stevens and Sally Tuson elected to play with the strong wind in the first-half in order to build confidence and, hopefully a substantial lead.

GRAYS Athletic enjoyed a convincing win to strengthen their bid for promotion from the Isthmian North to the Premier Division, but it's looking increasingly likely that East Thurrock United will be going in the opposite direction after the Rocks suffered a defeat on the road.

Anointed Chukwu netted twice from the spot in Grays' 5-2 win against Barking at Parkside in front of a crowd of 403. Many of them were club youngsters who attended joined in a celebration of the club's diversity policies.

Harpenden 32, Thurrock 24

ONCE again on Saturday (19 Februrary) Thurrock travelled to Redburn Place with a severely depleted team and produced what was arguably the performance of the season!