THURROCK men’s fourth team drew 17-17 at home with Upper Claptons III.

In a fast and furious game, the visitors, fielding a number of first team players, put T’s under pressure from the outset.

The defence held until a Thurrock kick failed to find touch and was run straight back for a try.

A try-saving tackle from Carrick Ryan prevented Clapton from another try and that was to prove vital as soon after, Thurrock winger Tony Jackson crashed over wide out to level the score. Earl Gorman converted.

It was Clapton now on the back foot but, against the run of play, the visitors’ full back took the ball from a kick out and ran it all the way back for a try to give them a 12-7 half-time lead.

Thurrock responded after the break with a try from Earl Gorman who took the ball at pace from a lovely angle.

However, it was not long before Clapton scored again, giving them a 17-12 lead going into the final 10 minutes.

From now on it was all Thurrock and from several five metre scrums on the Clapton line, it fell to debutant Chris Vandy to crash over. This drew the scores level at 17 all. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed to win the game.