Woodford 17, Thurrock 32

"Nine- tenths of tactics are certain; you can read about them in books!

"The irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool and that is the test of generals!" - T.E Lawrence

LAWRENCE of Arabia was, of course one of Woodford's most famous sons, alongside Winston Churchill and current MP Iain Duncan Smith.

Ben Shephard, a former Woodford player was celebrating his father's 80th birthday at Highams on Saturday and the celebrated television personality enjoyed a thrilling roller- coaster of a game which tipped one way and another before the visitors finally pulled clear.

Once again, Thurrock were forced to make some late changes, but this was not to detract from the fact that skipper Ben Timson was making his 150th appearance for the club.

Elliot Chew made a welcome return to the fold, with contemporary Ben Flatt making the bench.

With a strong wind blowing down the pitch, it looked as if the main strategy would be to kick for position and play a territorial game.

Fortunately both teams possessed a couple of "kingfishers" who took risks and were prepared to treat the bumper crowd to a keenly contested encounter.

Some early enterprise from Niall Clifford and Angus Poole saw the Oakfielders running the ball from deep and, after a high tackle, the versatile Alex Jones stepped up to secure an early lead.

Woodford responded with wave after wave of concentrated attacks, but a superb line by Henry Bird saw the powerful centre burst through an aperture for what seemed a certain score, only to be denied by a tackle by Will Dignon.

Nevertheless ,a fine line-out drill featuring Jay Jennings and the irrepressible, Câolan Watts-Adams ended in Lawrence Brown and Jack Cowman driving over the line.

Loose-head Harry Clarke was having another outstanding game, making any number of dominant tackles, while Kodie Holloway and Jamie Orr were aiding and abetting Timson in the battle of the back- rows.

Just as well because, at this stage, Woodford were throwing everything into the attack wary of the fact that they would be facing the hostile wind in the second period.

Ryan Davies was excellent at 9 for the home team and he sent out a constant stream of passes to Branconcini, Iain Meads and the impressive James White.

Rob Murphy, Elliot Chew and Clifford made several last- ditch tackles before the unlucky Niall Clifford sustained yet another injury and Harry Clarke was replaced by Ben Flatt in a tactical substitution.

Great work by Timson and Jamie Orr broke the siege and from broken play Alex Jones fed Scott Chitty.

The youngster completely wrong- footed White with an adroit dummy before accelerating through a gap for a highly popular try. Jones added the extras.

The brand new scoreboard dedicated to two former players, Eric Beck and David Baker, was making pleasant viewing for the Thurrock faithful at 0-15!

Woodford were not to be denied and despite some valiant defence by Kye Holloway, Thurrock were very much on the back-foot, a yellow card reducing them to 14.

An electric pass from Ryan Davies put James White into space and he flashed across the line on the stroke of half- time.

Spurred on by the vast home support, Woodford looked the more likely, especially as captain Ben Timson was forced to join co- leader Clifford on the side- lines after sustaining a groin injury.

Buoyed by the burgeoning support and inspired by D.O.R. Ross Boshier, the home side launched an exuberance of offensives and some brilliant counter attacking initiated by Davies and White resulted in a couple of key tries. Meads converted the second to secure the lead and the Woodford backs lacerated the defence with some adept footwork.

However, this Thurrock team is nothing if not resilient. Dritan Loka came on to the field and the return of Harry Clarke meant that with Jack Cowman and Lawrence Brown, the scrum achieved dominance.

Angus Poole was having his finest game for Thurrock and this potent threat was powering through the opposition ranks. Defenders were being scattered over the Highams pitch as Poole set up field position. From a breakdown, Kodie Holloway picked up close to a ruck and eased through a gap to earn himself a well- deserved try.

Next Jamie Orr, who had been tackling and side-stepping his way through the match, picked up his customary bonus try.

This was followed by a wonderful finalé from Angus Poole as he took route one, bouncing off several defenders to seal a fine victory.

Thurrock' s resolute defence and a Churchillian sense of defiance had won the day.

This hard-fought victory at one of England's famous old clubs lifted Thurrock to fourth in the table which they will hold if they manage to defeat Holt at home in a fortnight.

All that remained was for Ben Shephard to give a gracious interview on the day's proceedings and Thurrock to reflect on a highly satisfying performance.

Thurrock hold their Annual Dinner and Dance this coming weekend and there are still tickets available.

Watch the whole match via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMXJrFkiVA4