Thurrock 24 Old Tiffinians 51

THURROCk began their home London & South East Regional 2 South East campaign at a resplendent Oakfield on Saturday (14 September).

A large and optimistic. crowd had gathered in the shadow of the magnificent new facilities that are shared by Thurrock and Orsett Heath Academy.

The first team pitch is testament to the craft and meticulous work of the groundstaff and all was set fair for a stirring encounter in perfect conditions!

The word" Tiffin " is Indian for a " light-snack" according to the infamous " Carry On" films but the Old Boys were expecting a far meatier encounter than the one served up on their maiden visit to Thurrock!

The reality was an error-strewn performance from the home side who flattered to deceive!

Indeed there wasn't really much between the two teams as Old Tiffinians capitalised on ill-conceived passes of unnecessary linear magnitude and direction, tumbling to ground.

Thurrock started well enough, running through several phases before incurring the wrath of the referee with some marginal transgressions.

As soon as the Old Boys had gained territorial advantage a well-orchestrated line-out strategy enabled the pack to drive over.

Will Sharp, the 10 who would become "man - of-the- match" missed the conversion with what seemed like his only mistake of the game.

Thurrock tried to respond with Niall Clifford and Elliot Chew bringing Kiwi John Frear into the game before the ball was spilled and left wing, Sebastian Sabania sped into the corner to increase the lead.

Harry Reynolds and Rob Murphy made some inroads before a penalty set up field position for George Miles to crash over.

As the inaccuracies multiplied, the visitors ' belief mushroomed

Captain Ross Hobbs and Robert Myddelton excelled in the pack while centres Sharif Dougramaji and Maximilian Talman were having a field day as passes went to ground and interceptions facilitated.

With Thurrock down to 14 on a couple of occasions, they looked down and out.

Full credit for staying in the fight as Harry Reynolds landed a penalty to offer a slim chance of a second- half revival. Dan Libby came on to the field to add some ballast but, unfortunately the theme continued in spite of a stern half- time talk!

Talman and Dougrajami were joined on the score-sheet by lightning winger, Oluwatosin Segun and the result was never in doubt from that stage.

Jamie Orr, was Thurrock's man of the match and scored a delightful try as he pirouetted through a gap before side-stepping the last defender, Louis Freeman.

Ahmed Aminu was always looking for work and a neat dummy saw him accelerate over the line.

Tiffinians celebrated wildly as their away trip exceeded expectations and they confirmed their status as league title contenders.

Thurrock just need to "lick their wounds" and write it off as 'a bad day at the office'.

This coming weekend Thurrock make the short trip to winless Dartfordians.