THURROCK RFC men's first team return to Essex Counties One action on Saturday (8 November), but the match against Epping Upper Clapton will be played behind 'closed doors', with no spectators, as Thurrock have been reprimanded by the RFU for disciplinary issues.

There are also other issues going in the Oakfield background which have led to divisions among the club's membership.

On the playing field the men's side have enjoyed succession of decent results and sit second in their division, but that may change regardless of the outcome of Saturday's match as club president Mike Dunk has reported: "After too many disciplinary cards last season throughout the club, the men's first team has a potential points deduction for further discretions this season."

Far away from Oakfield, Thurrock's ladies team, the T-Birds, will be looking to bounce back from a morale-threatening home thumping by Championship South leaders Old Albanians Saints last weekend.

T-Bird dropped to fourth after last weekend's 48-0 thrashing, which saw many of the home players in tears after the match.

The girls make the long trip to Exeter University on Sunday with the words of captain Hannah Thornhill ringing in their ears. Bravely addressing club supporters after the defeat by Saints she offered: "A solemn promise you will not see a scoreline like that again."

In Mens Essex 1 Pegs Palmerians will entertain Westcliff Seconds, hoping to build on their last competitive encounter which was an enthralling 25-24 win against Harlow Seconds.

In Division 2, second-placed Thames will play host to East London Seconds.