Westcliff too strong for T's fourth string (From Thurrock Gazette)

Tough scrum encounter

5:00am Friday 11th January 2013 in Sport

Thurrock 4ths 7

Westcliff 4ths 39

RUGBY: WITH Thurrock’s fourth string fresh from a couple of good wins and a long Christmas break, they took the game to Westcliff.

The line, scrum and ruck were working well and the borough fourths were attacking at every opportunity early in the encounter.

It was not long before skipper Reece Cunningham intercepted a wayward pass. And he ran in from 30 metres but was tackled on the line. The ball popped to newcomer Paul Stone who went in under the posts.

The conversion was by Steve Evans.

After this try Westcliff came back and ran Thurrock ragged at times. They produced two unanswered tries before half time. However, Thurrock were still in the game – even though they were 7-17 down.

The quicker Westcliff backs were always going to be a handful in the second half and they started to cut loose, especially with two Thurrock players in the sin-bin.

Thurrock battled to the end and their fighting spirit was shown by the returning Jack Callow. Credit must be given to all players for the spirit showed in defeat. Westcliff ran out 39-7 winners. T’s fourths are away to League leaders Basildon 3rds.