RUGBY: THURROCK lost their National 3 (LSE) clash with East Grinstead at the weekend. But the 66-14 scoreline hides the fact that, for periods of the match, Thurrock were equal to their high flying rivals.

T’s travelled to Saint Hill to take on a team hosting their final home league game of the season.

And East Grinstead were in party mood. The writing appeared to be on the wall when the home side’s full back Betty went over after only two minutes to score wide out, and the conversion was added by Meakin who was to enjoy a fine day with the boot.

However Thurrock had the better of the next 20 minutes of the game and were rewarded with a close worked forward try awarded to Lewis Brunger, Jake Barrand added the conversion after he hit the post with an earlier penalty attempt.

But close to the break Grinstead added three tries from Walsh (two) and Hinds, all converted by Meakin.

Thurrock continued to play with heart.

But a golden spell from the home side winger Dickson – who scored three tries in ten minutes – in between a breakaway try from Frankie Neale, (Barrand again added the conversion) was as good as it got for the visitors.

Hamstring injuries to captain Durrance and Thurrock outstanding forward Retigan did not help as the home added further scores late on from Neissen and Meakin who rounded off a fine day adding a try to his eight conversions.

Thurrock: Neale, Barrand, Farrell, Skelton, Gorman, Titterton, Sullivan D, Brunger, Durrance, Hulse, Loka Crowhurst, Wilkins,Flavin, Retigan. Rep Ellis, Keefe, Munke.