IT'S more than four years since Thurrock last played Darfordians, but the outcome was the same when the two clashed on Saturday.

Dartfordians won 32-26 when the two last met and on Saturday night (21 September) they celebrated another win, 29-19 at their War Memorial Ground.

Thurrock responded well to an early unconverted Darts try and crossed the whitewash with they own, which was converted, to take a 7-5 lead.

Darts counterattacked well and forced play deep into the Thurrock's 22 and from a strong scrum went over under the posts and convert. 12-7.

The hosts were reduced to 14 men by a yellow card and eventually weight of numbers told and the visitors scored a converted try to take a 14-12 half time lead.

Darts started the second half really using a combination of forwards and backs to force the visitors on the defensive, they were using the pick a go well making ground forcing the defence to narrow in but some silly errors were stopping the momentum.

This pattern continued and eventually the pressure told with continual infringements resulting in a yellow card for Thurrock, which in turn saw Darts take a lead they were never to lose.

They moved into a 29-14 advantage and though Thurrock rallied to get a late consolation, it was the home side's afternoon.

Tees will be back in action next Saturday at home at Oakfield to Gravesend, one of just two sides below them in the Regional Two South East division.

Thurrock Seconds'scheduled Group 1 Automotive Essex Merit League home match with Brentwood II was postponed, but Tees Thirds enjoyed themselves at Old Brentwoods III, winning 50-22.