Woodford 19, Thurrock 24

THURROCk RFC's men's side made it back-to-back pre-season victories with a hard-fought win at Woodford, who compete a league above.

The tries came through Nat Farrell (2), Caolan Watts-Adams, and Jake Barrand, with Barrand also adding two conversions. But it was the defensive effort that really stood out as Thurrock fronted up physically and showed strong resilience across the pitch.

Head Coach Andy Yarrow was delighted with the way his squad rose to the occasion, saying: "This week posed a different test for the boys. Burnham was great to get minutes under our belts, but Woodford posed a different challenge. I have asked the boys to get excited about defending and they certainly did that this week – Retigan and Lewis to name just a couple of big hitters on the day.

"I have said all along that pre-season games are not about results, they are about performances, and a lot of players impressed and put themselves in contention for first team shirts. That being said, to get a win on the road against a team from the league above is testament to the belief in this squad and the two-year plan that Dean and I are working on.

"Winning is infectious, and the tune around the squad mirrors that! Our last pre-season game is at Oakfield next Saturday (23rd). It would be nice to get a huge crowd again as the boys have their last opportunity to put their hand up for a 1st team shirt before the league opener away at Old Cooperians."