Thurrock T-Birds 13, London Irish 19

T-BIRDS' latest quest for the Women's Championship South title got off to a disappointing start with defeat at home to London Irish at Oakfield today (Sunday, 14 September).

Irish were first to get on the board after just five minutes, with a converted try from Sophie Bennett.

The hosts responded with a penalty from Jessica Pettafor in the 15th minute and 3-7 is how the match stood when the teams went in at half time.

Irish extended their lead 70 seconds into the second half when a succession of sloppy handling errors from both sides resulted in Mia Eldridge breaking the home line and going over. Again, the score was converted.  

A strong, sustained drive from Thurrock's forwards in the tenth minute of the half saw Alexandra Zdunek, who had been involved several times in the build-up, power her way over the line from close range.The conversion attempt drifted wide.

With around 15 minutes remaining Irish secured a grip on the match when, from a line-out, their forwards drove towards the line and Amy Reynolds got the ball down.

With just few minutes remaining Thurrock pressure on the Irish backs forced a handling error and T-Birds pressed on towards the corner, where more aggression in possesion saw their forwards push towards the line and eventually the ball was slipped wide to Laila Hassan who dived over.

The try wasn't converted and in the minutes that remained Thurrock were unable to shake off the shackles of some determined Irish tackling to create any more opportunities and the final whistle came with the visitors on the attack, kicking the ball out to secure a win.

T-Birds are at home again next weekend (Sunday, 21 September), when they entertain Bath.