"GO Rhys lightning" is the battle cry of Thurrock's most vociferous supporters as Thurrock's youngest player enters the line in attacking mode.

The son of Luke Cotter, himself an outstanding fly-half and product of Thurrock schools under the tutelage of Brian Moore, Rhys is performing at the highest level at the moment and is inspiring those around him.

His winning penalty last week is testament to his all-round ability and against Ipswich on Saturday, it was his attacking flair and dominant tackling which caught the eye.

Ipswich, formed in 1870 and one of the World's oldest clubs have some amazing alumni including Prince Alexander Obolensky, Martin(Chariots) Offiah and current England international, Lewis Ludlam! Some of the Thurrock veterans will remember props Phil Hardiman and Roy Steward as well as England triallist David Ling, with whom Peter Worsfold had fought a great duel with in 1975.

Ipswich are a proud club and they were certainly up for the fight! Alasdair Margetts and Jake Goodwin were outstanding in the back row where they had a bruising contest with Ben Timson and Caolan Watts-Adams. Alex Fane and Harry Butler rampaged in the loose, whereas Jake Steward (son of Roy) and full-back Tim Mann were prominent throughout.

Nevertheless, Thurrock came out of the blocks quicker than Usain Bolt (although he was probably the slowest) and went straight on to the attack. The usual reliable ball-winner Lawrence Brown, was in the vanguard as Alex Jones fed the backs. Henry Bird and Niall Clifford " softened up" the midfield, before the Ulsterman straightened beautifully before finding Rhys Cotter and Harry Reynolds in acres of space on the left touchline. Cotter showed a "clean pair of heels" to the defence as he sped over the line to open the scoring before converting his own try.

There seemed no stopping this young Thurrock outfit with Jay Jennings and Caolan Watts-Adams complementing "Top cap " Dritan Loka's line-out experience.

Frank Wright was revelling in ripping the ball off opponents and Aaron Antrobus was zealous in looking for work.

In these early stages, Thurrock were winning all the collisions, with open-side Kodie Holloway always in the thick of the action.

Alex Jones and Dan Stone were in complete control, given their "armchair ride" and it was no surprise when a set-piece move carved an opening to put in-form winger, Kye Holloway, in at the corner. Cotter couldn't add the extras from wide out.

Next we were treated to a piece of real magic! Deep in his own half, Rhys Cotter gathered the ball and sensed an opportunity. Using Kye Holloway as a decoy, he sold a short dummy, revved through the gears before turning on the "after burners". The cadence was a joy to behold as a cohort of defenders was left in his slipstream as he touched down for a brilliant try which he duly converted to take Thurrock nineteen points clear.

In a recent article I wrote about some of the great players who had worn the number 15 shirt for Thurrock. They included former captains Mick Leckenby and Richard Gaches, Welshmen Ray Davies and Mark Gibbs as well as ex Saracen Chris Fuller amongst others.

It is perhaps, a little too soon for Rhys Cotter to enter that pantheon, but there is no doubt that he is demonstrating that, with the right guidance, he has a stellar career ahead.

With Thurrock scoring at will, it seemed odds on that they would record a fairly routine victory. However, Ipswich somehow found the courage to fight back. They were aided and abetted by a freak injury to the impressive Kodie Holloway and a yellow card for Niall Clifford.

Margetts and Steward were instrumental in launching a series of attacks and, with the penalty count reaching astronomical heights, Ipswich found success from driving mauls. Two quick converted tries brought confidence and momentum just before half-time. Only some brave defence prevented the visitors overturning the lead. Dan Ulph with his Rainbow headgear came on to add his speed and zest to the attack and Tom Wileman's strength provided extra ballast.

It was good to see Rob Murphy back to evince his clever footwork and play his part in the rearguard action.

In the second half, the inevitable happened. Rhys Cotter showed that it is human to err, by pushing a penalty wide, before he was denied a third try when the referee adjudged that the ball had been held up!

After a proliferation of penalties, Ipswich camped in the Thurrock 22 and it was winger Edward Jordan who went over in the corner in spite of what looked like a foot in touch and a certain amount of indecision from the touch-judge. Nonetheless, a try was given. Steward just failed with the chance to put Ipswich ahead, but they stormed back on to the attack.

Thurrock were forced to clear their lines with Henry Bird hurrying a kick to which he swears he manufactured some back-spin!

The kick bounced back into the arms of the grateful Kye Holloway on his own ten metre line. If we thought Rhys Cotter's try was spectacular, this was sublime! Holloway side-stepped Steward and Burch as he arced across the field. He sprinted down the left wing leaving Mann and Margetts with a look of astonishment and despair on their faces before diving over a la Chris Ashton.

This was the last play of the match and fitting that it should be won with such a memorable score.

There was much whooping and cheering from the stand as the young supporters signalled their relief.

This has been one of the best starts to a year in Thurrock's history with four wins and an unbeaten record in 2023.

Everyone is wishing Kodie Holloway a swift recovery in order that he can start to emulate his older brother.

This Saturday Thurrock travel to Chingford hoping to maintain their run of success.