THURROCK T-Birds got off to a winning start on Sunday (17 September) against London Irish 21-12 in their opening Championship South game watched by a crowd of more than 100 supporters.

Tries from the ever-green, ever impressive India Harvey-Jay and equally impressive Lauren Poole, who both fought it out for player of the year last season, and a penalty try saw the team over the line in a tight first game of the season.

The T-Birds 2nd team also got off to a winning start beating Westcliff away 33-30 in another tight encounter.

T-Birds Captain Sam Willmott said: "Starting off with a double win from the T-Birds is a great start to the season.

"Playing against London Irish is always a challenge but, no doubt about it the T-Birds pulled through with the big W! We had challenges and at times we made errors but, at other times we clicked so well together and showed everyone what the T-Birds can do. I'm so proud of all the girls from both teams this weekend, all the hard work at training is paying off'.

This Sunday the T-Birds face old foes Old Albanians which will be should be a cracker, at home (KO is 2:30pm).