Campion 17, Thurrock 49

THURROCK produced a dominating display to record an emphatic victory in today's (Saturday, 20 September) Community Cup clash at Campion, repeating last week's league victory against the same opposition on home soil.

One of the stars of that performance was captain Kodie Holloway and he wasted little time in setting another example from the front, scoring Tees' first try after just five minutes with a backline bursting run, which was converted by Alfie Horan.

Campion responded with an unconverted try after stretching Thurrock's defence and going over on their left wing but after a period when neither side really threatened and play was confined to midfield, despite Thurrock being reduced to 14 when Elijus Jankus picked up a yellow card, the gap was stretched again on 38 minutes when Ahmed Aminu crossed for Thurrock with another burst through the home defence close to the posts and Horan again added the extras.

Thurrock were in no mood to let up and in the closing moments of the first half, Malachy Watts-Adams emulated his teammates' earlier try and again breached the home side's defence close to the posts to add a third try and Horan followed up from the tee to give the visitors a commanding 21-5 half time lead.

Watch the whole match here:

Campion showed signs of resistance with a try from close range in the opening minutes of the second half, but they were unable to convert it, and a few minutes later it was Holloway who set the example again with another Horan-converted try, dinking and driving over the line to evade the home defence.

Thurrock were in control of the game and on 56 minutes Caolan Watts-Adams took advantage of a lack of concentration by the home side and took a quick tap penalty, racing over to extend the lead and once more Horan converted.

A line-out and flowing move across the backs brought more points with John Frear going over for a try, and the impressive boot of Horan added two more.

To their credit Campion kept going and, with the benefit of an advantage in their favour, whizzed the ball around before going over for a third try.

The last word was to be with Thurrock as Euan Thomas twisted and turned to race over for the game's final try, this time converted by Alan Jones – just ahead of the final whistle. 

Tomorrow (Sunday, 21 September) sees both Thurrock women's sides in action.

T-Birds firsts will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's 19-13 Championship South defeat by London Irish, when they entertain Bath Ladies, who won their opening match against Trojans 8-5, at Oakfield while the Seconds will open their Championship South East 2 season with a trip to Beckenham Ladies.