HOCKEY: Young Thurrock hockey player Grace Millane was presented with her Jack Petchey Achievement Award by the borough club president Glenda Stephens. Grace been a club member for a number of years, starting in the mini hockey section.

She now travels some distance each week to help at the mini hockey training.

She plays for the Ladies third string, but has stepped into the seconds team when asked and not looked out of place.

She attends all club events, never moans and does what is asked of her – a committed club member. Thurrock 1sts bagged a 6-2 victory over Colchester 2nds at the weekend.

Colchester turned up at Palmer’s just 15 minutes before the game which hindered their warm up and subsequently their first half display. In the end the match was a fairly easy win for the home team.

Thurrock had a few players out, so it was another chance for second string players to show their worth.

Sam Webb and Jeff West started on the wings and Mike Hewing started behind the front two.

Early on Jak Taylor turned well and slipped the ball into Christian Jenkins who was free at the top of the D to push into the near post.

But Thurrock’s Achilles heel of defending short corners resulted in yet another poor short corner.

And the ball bobbled its way through to the player on the left post who skilfully volleyed the ball into the net.

Thurrock’s second and third goals came came shortly and saw Christian Jenkins slot home.

Jeff West smashed the ball into the corner to make it 4-1 at half time.

The second half started with Colchester on the attack but Thurrock took control of the game shortly after.

Sam Webb slotted the next goal home for Thurrock.

Yet again another defensive short corner was Thurrock’s downfall and a shot from the right hit the defender’s foot and deflected into the top corner. A final effort from Taylor resulted in a goal.

Man of the match went to Tommy Ing yet again for a solid performance at the back.

This week T’s go away to a struggling Brentwood side who sit rock bottom of the table.

For sport see Friday's THURROCK GAZETTE