THURROCK T-Birds have had a fantastic start to the Women's Championship campaign playing some of the best rugby in recent years.

Speaking to Thurrock Nub News head coach Andy Yarrow has been reflecting on the first months of the campaign saying: "When the fixtures were released & our opening four games were against the sides that made up the top five alongside ourselves last season we knew we had to challenge the players to be prepared both physically and mentally.

"If it went our way we could be undefeated and in a dominant position and if it went againt us we could be near the bottom of the table looking at the big job we would have had to try to do to resurrect our season."

Thurrock picked up wins at home against London Irish, Richmond and Old Albanians, also recording a first victory in seven years on the road away at defending champions Bath.

These results mean Thurrock go into this weekend's clash with Henley Hawks with both sides undefeated and sitting first and second in the Championship table.

Yarrow added: "Henley is always a tricky place to go and visit. I am sure they will be very much pumped up for the game like we are.

"That being said physically our power game in recent encounters has been too much for the Hawks so despite missing a few players this weekend our aim is come Sunday to be the only undefeated team in the league!"

Thurrock's successful start hasn't just been at first team level. The revamped second team remain undefeated in their league and with Stanford-le-Hope Ladies being unable to field a side this weekend the second team also march forward into the fourth round of the Papa John's National Cup, with the final being held at Twickenham, the home of English Rugby.

Coach Yarrow concluded by saying: "Thurrock is a special place, where we work in a performance environment with great players and coaches, who all buy into the ethos and the T-Birds family!

"While every team is judged on the success of their first team we identify the importance of developing all our players and the second team has been a true success story so far this season.

"We are always looking for more players, so feel free to find us on social media and get in touch! This season is looking like being one to remember!"