THE clock is ticking towards the start of another season for one of Thurrock's most successful sporting sides.

Last season Thurrock T-Bird Ladies teams surpassed all expectations and ended the season with two exciting finals at the home of the sport, Twickenham. 

The firsts, who had won the Southern Championship, lost out in their season climax against a very strong Cheltenham Tigers XV but the second delighted a large turn-out of supporters at the home of the sport as they lifted the Papa Johns Women's Junior Cup with a dominating performance and were never behind to Sheffield Tigers, winning 36-14.

Now it all starts again. 

Pre-season training is well under way and T-Birds have some pre-season friendlies coming up over the next few weeks, starting on Sunday (18 August) at East Grinstea. 

Then, on Sunday, 25 August the girls will be home to Lichfield, followed up with a clash at Oakfield a week later against Brunel University.

In the Women's Championship the first play away for initial two fixtures before a first home match on Sunday, 6 October against Bath, which will also see the club host a sponsors' lunch.

The seconds, who were promoted to NC1 South-East, play their first game of the season at home on Sunday, 15 September against Wimbledon.

There are a number of sponsorship opportunities for local residents and businesses, including  space on the new subs' coats. If you or anyone you know would like to help sponsor the team and have their names up in lights, maybe at Twickenham again, get in touch with [email protected] or [email protected].

Club fixtures: