RUGBY: A NEW look and young Thurrock side made the journey to the division’s favourites Dorking but the visitors’ errors were comprehensively punished to leave the scoreline 44-15.

The game was very tight for the first half as Thurrock conceded an early try after a long defensive phase. Even then the player had been held up but the referee awarded the score which was converted.

Dorking also added a penalty but Thurrock were still in the game as Frankie Neale added a penalty, then hit the post with another. But right on the stroke of half time a fumble in the backs allowed the Dorking centre, although to kick through and win the race to the line, although the try went unconverted.

The second half could not have started any worse as Thurrock conceded a converted try within a minute of the restart, frustratingly for Thurrock it came from a crooked line out.

Dorking kept Thurrock under pressure during phases of this game. Earl Gorman lifted the visitors spirits with a try wide out, but they did not help their own cause when a long pass was intercepted gifting another score to the home side.

Also Gorman was clear to score his second try close to the posts and he just lost the ball with the line at his mercy. Dan Cousins scored a try at the death after a fine break from Tom Worsfold; Neale added the conversion with the last kick of the game.

There were plenty of positives to come from this game, although Thurrock must cut out the small mistakes because at this level they are punished. If there able to do this they will certainly record much more positive results. The forwards’ scrum and line out were excellent with Elliott Keefe having an outstanding game; the forwards competitiveness will provide the base for the season. With still one or two first choice players missing and coming back from injury over the next couple of weeks the side will be strengthened.

Thurrock: Neale, Farrell, Barrand, Gorman, Cousins, Worsfold, Titterton, Keefe, Durrance, Bevans-Royston, Cooper-Hicks, Banks, Flavin, Russo, Crowhurst. Rep: Ellis, Hulse, Dan Sullivan THURROCK have their first home game of the league season, also the first VP lunch when they entertain Old Elthamians, kick off is 3pm.

For rugby see the THURROCK Gazette every week