Letchworth 47, Thurrock 20

THURROCK travelled to the pretentiously-named Legends Ground, Letchworth, to do battle with the home side who had remained unbeaten for two seasons.

Formed in 1926 in Letchworth Garden City, (the first such concept in the world) Arthur Lamb suggested that: "No town could be complete without a rugby club."

Letchworth have the best record in the country and have achieved two promotions in record time having recruited some players from higher leagues, including luminaries like Josh Sharp from Ampthill in the Championship.

Thurrock are on a less vertiginous trajectory, building a solid base from local talent, utilising its fine Academy and marvellous facilities in a 'Stuart Lancaster' 'type model rather than the Eddie Jones style dynasty.

Thurrock's current position is a little like the Arsenal when they concentrated on the development of the Emirates stadium and they then had to rebuild the team. It was a long time before they tasted success again, but now Mikel Arteta's team look set for a prosperous future.

Unfortunately injuries had, once again, hindered preparation and Academy Manager, Ben Stanley was prepared to come out of semi-retirement as long as no-one mentioned Frank Sinatra

The ever-reliable Stanley joined forces with Angus Poole to form a new midfield partnership with Alfie Bailey having another run-out on the wing.

Lawrence Brown, who has had a breakthrough season, was a notable absentee and Dan Ulph reverted to his more customary position of hooker.

A large and boisterous crowd was to witness a fascinating contest .

Thurrock certainly got off to what seemed a brilliant start. There was an overthrow from hooker Hughes that Aaron Antrobus seized on. Ed Stevens got the ball away post-haste and fed skipper Ben Timson. Timson was quick to spot old school mate Stanley, who threw a beautiful John Dawesesque dummy before finding the ubiquitous Niall Clifford who breached the line. Clifford straightened before an exquisite pass saw Harry Reynolds galloping away for what appeared the perfect score.!

Thurrock retreated for the kick off, only to realise that the referee had given a goal line drop out, claiming that the bemused Reynolds had not grounded properly!

This bright start from the visitors had silenced the celebrations of the vast audience. It was left to Josh Sharp to settle the nerves. He pierced the line with razor-like precision before feeding flanker, Luke Mongston. With an incredible slip-pass. Home favourite, Ricky Streets was over near the posts for Sharp to convert with ease.

Shortly after this another Sharp incision led to Sonny Ma'asi feeding scrum-half Howes who stole through the cover defence.

Leaders Ben Timson and Niall Clifford put in some seismic hits to temporarily stem the flow and the visitors started to dominate the line-outs through Watts-Adams, Jay Jennings and Tani Loka.

Frank Wright and Antrobus were trying desperately to shore up the scrum, but they were up against some wily old campaigners.

Just as it looked as if Thurrock could get back into contention, Sharp showed his class with a masterly solo effort as he ghosted through the defence with stealth and precision to send the home support into raptures.

Thurrock responded with a period of pressure which they were unable to convert into points.

Nevertheless, the second half was to see an impressive revival. Stanley and Poole were trying to put more pressure on the Letchworth gainline and Bailey and Reynolds ran a series of wrap -around moves with Dan Stone. The latter was finding some good touches and from a line-out Ulph threw to Watts-Adams. The pack set up the drive, before the versatile Ulph darted around the blind- side to open his side's account.

Unfortunately, just as the Oakfielders seemed set fair to resurrect their fortunes, the failure to exit cost them dearly! Loose head Robinson rumbled over from close range.

Thurrock now sent on the foot soldiers, Anthony Catchpole and Tom Wileman, while Callum Pluck replaced Bailey.

This was not enough to stop Letchworth scoring a push-over try, followed by another sublime moment from Josh Sharp: a deft grubber kick sat up beautifully into the arrms of Ricky Streets to register his second try.

Stone re-started to find that arch poacher, Ben Timson, stealing a march on the home pack and going in for a fine solo effort.

This was Thurrock's best period and, after Ben Stanley had shown his muscularity, Harry Reynolds threw a dummy and accelerated through the defence for a magnificent try.

Strong carrying by James Rodger, Wileman and Catchpole gave Thurrock opportunities at the end, but Letchworth were not to be denied their day in the sun! They thoroughly deserved their win in what has been a monumental period in their history.

As for Thurrock, their day will come. There have been some outstanding performances in the second half of the season. "Mystic Mike", the indefatigable Manager, predicted a sixth place finish . His prescience is to be admired !

This is a team full of youngsters whose finest hour will surely come as long as they adhere to their values and display the loyalty and commitment necessary.

Even in the Six Nations Championship, teams are at different levels of development. Ireland and France are currently reaping the rewards of huge investment in youth over the last decade. Scotland are not far behind, whereas England and Wales are at the end of a cycle.

The surprise package is Italy, whose emphasis on youth is so close to paying dividends. They have played with adventure and fellowship. They, like Thurrock, can take courage from the knowledge that "Rome wasn't built in a day!"

Thurrock Ladies are still in reach of a place in the play-offs after a nail-biting bonus point victory over Beckenham Ladies.

This season's National Cup competition starts in a few week's time with the draw to be made next week.