Dagenham 24, Thurrock 41

"If revenge motivates you, go for it! But the main thing is to get your game in order!" - Viswanath Anand.

AFTER Dagenham had won a feisty game at Oakfield earlier in the season, there was much talk about a determined Thurrock team seeking revenge at Central Park, Dagenham on Saturday (13 January).

The truth was that in the earlier encounter, Thurrock had allowed themselves to be dragged into a "dog- fight" which meant the outcome would always be in the balance.

Once again, Dagenham had filled their team full of ex Thurrock players, particularly Josh Cook, Earl Gorman and captain Nat Farrell..

Thurrock gave a debut to flanker Will Lewis after Kodie Holloway failed a late fitness test.

After a brief exchange of kick reciprocity and field position, Kye Holloway continued his outstanding form with the first try of the game.

However, this stung Dagenham into a speedy reaction. Jordan Calverley put in a neat grubber kick, which was well fielded. Unfortunately, the clearance was charged down and Will Knowleden was the grateful beneficiary.

From a short- range attack, Thomas Cameron threw a flat pass to Earl Gorman, who was already half through a gap. Accelerating, he shot through the defence for an excellent try to extend the home lead.

Dritan Loka was to renew his try- scoring battle with Caolan Watts-Adams, after great clearing out work by Lawrence Brown and George Miles. Loka removed team-mate Alex Jones from the edge of a break-down before powering over.

With skipper Ben Timson, Lewis and Jamie Orr in concert, Thurrock started to dominate the collisions. Jones and Blake Burns began to orchestrate the transitional play and a solid line-out process saw Watts-Adams crash over.

Thurrock led 19-12 at the interval.

Anthony Catchpole was coming into his own with some coruscating incisions before being replaced by the effervescent Harry Clarke.

Henry Bird and Niall Clifford were taking no prisoners as Josh Cook and the midfield were in line of some fearsome tackling.

Blake Burns kicked a straightforward penalty before Gorman showed his class with a slanting cross-field run to put in winger Dylan Pna for the first of his two tries.

A quick line-out manoeuvre saw an early release to Niall Clifford and there was no stopping the powerful centre from close range.

Good inter-play from Liam Power and Pna almost brought reward as Dagenham fought to reduce the arrears and re-set the balance.

Dan Ulph had entered the fray and a lateral sortie allowed Kye Holloway to penetrate the defence. Full-back, Harry Reynolds continued his find form to get over in the corner, sparking a furious response from the beaten defenders.

Dagenham came back again and a desperate charge down the wing by Dagenham's 'man of the match' Earl Gorman, nearly resulted in an amazing try for the veteran.

Notwithstanding, the visitors responded. A mazy incursion by the ever- reliable Rob Murphy set up Kye Holloway. The winger is proving an exceptional try scorer and added his second of the day.

Success is the sweetest revenge. "Ambition's debt is paid" - Julius Caesar.

There is no game next weekend as Thurrock go into a mid-winter break.

Thurrock feature in the latest edition of Rugby Club Magazine in a feature entitled, "Thurrock, A Club For The Future."

If you would like a copy, contact the Club through its website.