Stanford-le-Hope 12, Thurrock 50

THIS first ever league meeting between the two borough sides ultimately went the way it was expected, with Thurrock coming out commanding winners.

But the scoreline does not reflect the whole match, in which underdogs Stanford fought to the very last of their physical capability and twice crossed the visitors' line to great cheers from a partisan home crowd at the Rec.

Thurrock made a strong start to the contest and were first on the scoreboard after a surge following a well-worked line-out on the 22 saw Kodie Holloway pick up the ball after a sharp half break from Nathan Farrell and he shrugged off challenges to dive over. Jake Barrand added the extras to give the visitors an early advantage.

Stanford repelled further Thurrock pressure though the game was largely played in their own half until, on 17 minutes, they burst out of defence into attack. Dominic McDonald made the initial break, slipping the ball to Jamie Wooffitt who surged forward with a jinking run and though the ball was initially held up by Thurrock, Stanford moved it through several phases before Ben Kelly timed a run to perfection and burst the visiting backline which was missing Barrand who was getting treatment and he gleefully surged through to touch down under the posts, sparking home celebrations on the touchline.

McDonald added the extras to restore parity – though it was short-lived.

Thurrock quickly regained momentum as the ball was moved wide for Jake Jones, who finished well out wide. Barrand converted once again to extend the lead.

Tees' forward pack then asserted themselves, with Rick Percival powering over from a driving maul. Thurrock continued to exploit this strength when Holloway grabbed his second try of the afternoon, cleverly breaking early from another maul off a lineout to catch the Stanford defence napping. Barrand converted the latter as Tees took a commanding lead into the break.

Thurrock continued their dominance upfront as former Stanford player, Percival claimed his second try, once more from a dominant driving maul, with another former Stanford man, Barrand once again converting.

One of the standout moments of the match followed, as Barrand scored a superb solo try, dummying and stepping his way through the Stanford defence from around 40 metres out.

Stanford about to go over for their second try.

However, with their visitors disappearing into the distance in terms of the scoreline, Stanford dug deep and added their second try out wide though Elonas Butrimas from close range after a sustained period of pressure, helped by a spate of penalties against Tees. This time McDonald couldn't convert.

The spirit was willing from Stanford, with encouraging cries of 'stick it to them' after the score, but the reality was the flesh was weakened by all the effort.

Several Stanford players were out on their feet, though they never willingly took a step backwards or shirked a tackle.

But Thurrock were in no mood to give them a quiet finish and they continued to press hard. Jones grabbed his second try after another excellent break from Barrand, with debutant Oli Smith showing great composure to deliver the final pass for the assist.

The scoring was rounded off when Kieron Sherman-Coulson crossed for his first Tees try, following a perfectly timed pass from Percival. Barrand converted to cap an impressive all-round performance.

Thurrock head into 2026 with a commanding lead at the top of Counties 1 Essex following Romford's defeat to Campion and will be hoping to kick off the New Year in Style when they travel to Campion on the 10th January

Watch the whole match here:-

A year that started in turmoil as Tees faced relegation from London One North ended in triumph with a Papa Johns Trophy win and an exciting league campaign to date with nine wins from nine - though a poor disciplinary record across the club may cost them four points by way of punishment from the RFU in the new year.

Things look much tougher for Stanford, who sit second from bottom, though with two sides (Mavericks and Old Cooperians) having already dropped out of Counties One Essex, they may well retain their place at this elevated level. Certainly, if they can build on the spirit shown against leaders Thurrock, it seems likely they may add to their two wins to date in the new year.  

Stanford return to action on Saturday, 10 January at home to Billericay while Thurrock's next challenge is a trip to Campion on the same day.