Seconds show their worth with one sided display at Oakfield (From Thurrock Gazette)

Thurrock Ladies development team continue to push for the league title

3:22pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in Sport

WOMENS RUGBY: THURROCK T-Birds Development Team continued their drive for the league title in their inaugural season at Oakfield on a Somme-like pitch.

With Georgie Cook returning to rugby after a 13 month absence through knee injury the die was cast. She scored in under two minutes – and Hampstead’s second string were never in the game.

In this mismatch of a fixture, many of the Thurrock players showed why they are pushing for first team selection.

They produced a fine display of phase play rugby.

With captain Charlie Close and Claire Brickley solid in midfield defence, the quality of T’s passing game repeatedly gave Georgie Tricker space on the outside.

And deploying her trademark kick and chase she bagged six of the 14 tries scored by the development squad as the afternoon turned into a rout.

She then went on to convert seven with her “wrong” left foot – because of a tweaked hamstring. With Hampstead denied any lineout ball by the development squad’s Jo Button their only possession came from the uncontested scrums.

Unable to cope with the pace of Tricker outside, Hampstead also failed to deal with the power of Charlie Micallef down the middle. Combining with Robyn Cook and leading the driving mauls from the rear she constantly came up with the ball in any contact situation and scored three trys of her own.

McHenry, Brickley and Wheeler completed the scoring.

Hampstead must be dreading the return fixture at their home ground next Sunday.

l The T-Birds first string continue their Premiership campaign on Sunday with a trip to Saracens (2.45pm kick off).

And with Bramley Road only a short drive away, or walking from Cockfosters tube station the team is hoping that many Thurrock rugby fans will make the trip to support the women’s first team.

Forthe full story and pictures see Friday's THURROCK GAZETTE.