Saffron Walden 30, Thurrock 27
THURROCk travelled north once again on Saturday (9 September) for their third consecutive away fixture.
They were full of confidence after successive victories and this conviction was apparent from the start of this Regional 2 Anglia clash.
Although this was a blisteringly hot day, there was no change from their previous encounters and they tore into the attack from the outset!
Dan Ulph is doing a fair impression of Jamie George at present and with the power of Tani Loka adding ballast to the drive, the Thurrock eight were able to drive over.
Enter right stage, Harry Reynolds. Harry is having another impressive season and getting the ball in space he cut through the Walden defence with the precision of an inebriated jigsaw!
With the Thurrock forwards on top, some adept kicking left the Oakfielders the opportunity of another "push-over" try and a subtle exchange gave Ulph his brace.
Jamie Orr and Ben Timson were striking up a fine rapport in the back row alongside the added power of Watts-Adams and Jennings.
It seemed as if Thurrock were set fair to continue their upward trajectory.
With a Burns conversion they looked comfortably in control at 17-0
However, maybe like Wales against Fiji, they became a little complacent and seemed to lose control.
After their drubbing the previous week, the home side looked deflated. Somehow, in the sweltering conditions, they found a way and Monty Garrett scored on the corner for Mark Kimberley to add the extras.
Worse was to follow. A stampeding run from Joe Saych gained 40 metres, before handing on to No.8 Nik Baker, before centre Kimberley found himself with oceans of space to go over unopposed.
Walden's revival coincided with Thurrock's unfortunate discomfiture. A yellow card was shown for a high tackle by Henry Bird and an accidental deflection of the ball preventing a quick tap led to red for the same player.
Just as in England's game against Argentina the sending off seemed to galvanise the visitors and Kodie Holloway crashed over following a pass from brother, Kye.
Another high tackle and penalty enabled more field position and another compelling forward drive paid dividends.
Walden were growing in confidence and their momentum went unabated.
However, ambition should be made of sterner stuff and Thurrock would not be denied. Ahmed Aminu was the scorer, but it was too little too late as a dejected Thurrock considered their deficiencies.
Both teams had played their part in this pulsating contest in torrid conditions, but Thurrock had just fallen short.
You are never really beaten. You win or you learn! This had been an upset for this exciting young team but they did take two points and live to fight another day.
This weekend Thurrock play host to local rivals Southend.
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