"The most reliable way to predict the future is to create it! "- Abraham Lincoln

WITH the excitement of the imminent World Cup in France and the advent of the domestic season, players at all levels have been getting fit in order to create their own piece of history.

The World Cup warm-up games have attracted record crowds and this looks like being an outstanding tournament with France seemingly the favourites in spite of Bob Paterson's optimism after a rare Scottish victory last weekend!

Oakfield has been busy with local teams at all levels striving for optimum fitness in readiness for the new campaign.

Ben Stanley's Academy is thriving with new players coming through the system and Orsett Heath Academy, as well as the other local schools.

The amazing facilities of the magnificent artificial pitch have been complemented by the incredible work of the ground staff, who are producing pitches which are the envy of the country!

Thurrock first team had an outstanding end to last season and the coaching staff, under the direction of Martin Jones, are hoping to capitalise on the stability of the leadership of Ben Timson and Niall Clifford.

With veteran Dritan Loka in the powerhouse once again, alongside the tenacious Caolán Watts-Adams and Jay Jennings, the pack is looking particularly potent, especially when Aaron Antrobus and Kodie Holloway return from injury.

James Rodger thoroughly enjoyed his first season while Lawrence Brown and Dan Ulph were exceptional. Tom Wileman had his best season to date and is beginning to realise his immense potential. Anthony Catchpole has returned to full fitness and plays a strong leadership role.

Jamie Orr, a former captain of Pukekoe will add to the culture and a long term connection with the "land of the long white cloud"! He will certainly help the development of young Ewan Thomas, who had a splendid start to his first season. Sam Jennings is another certain to feature.

Behind the scrum, everyone is looking forward to the return of brilliant scrum- half, Jake Bedding, who will be a real asset with Alex Jones otherwise deployed and young Harry Worsfold earning his spurs. Blake Burns will revert to his schoolboy role at 10 having played in the back- row and hooker for the Welsh Exiles.

The Loughborough student spent a year at Leicester rubbing shoulders with the likes of George Ford and Leigh Jones.

The irrepressible Henry Bird will probably form an impenetrable midfield with Clifford, although there will be lots of quality in support with Rob Murphy, Reece Kidd and Angus Poole entering the fray.

Wingers Harry Reynolds and Kye Holloway were sensational last season and debutant Rhys Cotter had as good a first season as anybody since Mick Leckenby! Another youngster in contention is Dylan Bodimeade.

Callum Pluck is seeking to develop in the back-row, but has performed well on the wing.

Youthful Alfie Baily has already made an impact while there are high expectations from new recruits Arri Pike, Yuri Naviti, George Miles, Ben Flatt, Alex Barclay, Jamie Smith and Malachy Watts-Adams. Alfie please add Sam Jennings to prop,

The great work with the Colts ensures transition to the senior squad and this season's group includes Harry Overy, Elliott Chew and Joe Reynolds.

The ladies team will feature in the Championship, having narrowly failed to reach the play-off final last time out.

With the best record on the English Championship and the best support, there is no doubting their pedigree and Dean White is anticipating another absorbing season as women's rugby continues to break new ground.

Sadly the preparations for the new season were given perspective with the sad news of the passing of Dr Alistair Farquharson. Alistair had been a crash-tackling centre who formed an indomitable partnership in midfield with Dave Cheshire. He became both president and chairman of the club during a "Golden " period when Thurrock was one of the country's leading clubs.

Also, a brilliant practitioner, so good that a unit at Thurrock Hospital bears his name.

A genial Scotsman, he will never be forgotten by the people of Thurrock and, especially, by those who were privileged to spend time with him in the rugby fraternity at Oakfield.

While we look forward to the new season, with optimism, it is paramount that we aspire to reach the heights inspired by the legacy of the past and the provenance of people like the much loved Alistair Farquharson.

Thurrock begin their season with a "friendly" against Westcliff tomorrow (Saturday, 12 August) at Oakfield. Kick off at 2.30pm.