Eton Manor 41 Thurrock 10

IT was a weekend to forget for Thurrock and those of a Welsh persuasion.

Just as the principality was mourning the death of the insuperable J.P.R. Williams, the news of the passing of their iconic signature player Barry John rocked the country.

Hailing from the same school as Thurrock's own Ray Davies, some of the older members will remember meeting him at the Cefneithin Club on a tour of Wales in the seventies.

Added to that, a traumatic first- half against Scotland and a pall of depression fell over the land.

Nevertheless, Ireland's consummate victory over France, that dramatic Welsh revival and the excitement of England's game in Rome, allowed a modicum of relief for the partisan factions of the club.

Loyal supporters made their way to Nutter Lane, The Wilderness for the annual attempt to down Eton Manor at their nigh-on impregnable fortress.

With several players departed to warmer climes, Scott Chitty started in his favoured position of 10, Yurila Navti entered the fray on the wing and Kye Holloway moved to full- back in place of the stricken Harry Reynolds. There was a welcome return to the front- row for Jack Cowman as the game commenced.

This match was as keenly fought as ever and the scoreline simply does not reflect the game. Thurrock had much of the territory and possession, but could not get over the line.

The pack was dominant at scrum time with credit going to Ant Catchpole, George Miles, Jack Cowman and the totemic Lawrence Brown.

Jay Jennings and Caolan Watts-Adams were hugely competitive throughout, but the loss of talismanic captain Ben Timson and outstanding New Zealander Jamie Orr was too much to take, even though Dan Ulph and Will Lewis gave everything for the cause.

The kicking of Scott Chitty and Alex Jones put the Oakfielders in strong situations and the ever- impressive Henry Bird and Niall Clifford kept the momentum going.

Angus Poole and Yurila Navti showed real enterprise, while Kye and Kodie Holloway were a constant threat.

To be honest, the Manor were just more clinical with winger Cain getting four tries, a magnificent length of the field classic from No.8 Corgidze complemented by one each for Kitching and Minns.

Major Villiers had set up fantastic facilities for under-privileged children at the Wilderness in the 19th Century and that spirit remains to this day.

Thurrock threw everything at a comeback, but came up just a little short once again.

Caolan Watts-Adams crashed over in the corner fir a deserved try. Henry Bird kicked a mighty conversion from the touchline. Alex Jones slotted a timely penalty.

Anglia Region 2 takes a short- break this weekend, with England hosting a youthful Wales at Twickenham.