Thurrock teenagers win clash (From Thurrock Gazette)

Late kick settles Thurock U16s

9:43am Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Sport

RUGBY: THURROCK’S U16s returned to action with a tough away league game at undefeated Upper Clapton. The Thurrock teenagers won the clash with a late kick.

But the final result was in doubt right up until the last few minutes. The game had kicked off in extremely heavy conditions and immediately developed into a forwards battle with possession at a premium. Tees spurned an opportunity for three points from a penalty when going for the corner, but Clapton defended their line effectively. Tees had already had to replace Joe Turp with Sam Manning following an injury. But it was Manning who found the key to unlock Clapton’s defence.

He chased down his own box kick to present Jake Collins with the opportunity to spread the ball down the line and give Louis Pike the chance to go over.

James Milsom sunk the conversion for the seven point lead, which Tees carried into the break.

After the restart Sam White was taken head high which led to UC getting a yellow card.

T’s came back when Mitchell Hebditch fed Louis Pike who was able to score in the corner. With a 12-0 lead Tees looked to have the game in their hands.

But Clapton had other ideas and gradually pinned back Thurrock within their own 22. With 15 minutes to go the gap was narrowed with an unconverted try.

And as pressure was ratcheted up Clapton scored close to the posts, the conversion tied the game at 12. Clapton were now in the ascendency and Tees did well to keep the game within the 10m lines. A Tees set scrum on the last play led to a penalty some 40m out, but Cam Daly’s attempt just fell short. Clapton were again penalised, and T’s opted for the shot at goal. And Milsom slotted over from 15m for the win.

See Friday's THURROCK GAZETTE