THAMES Rugby Club were well beaten by Old Brentwoods on their return to Essex 1 - going down 50-14.

Under no illusion about the size of the challenge this season, Thames made a thrilling start and outside centre James Going cut a superb line and ran over the try line after just two minutes. Lee Cairns added the extra two points from the T.

Having scored the first try, Thames also scored the last as they battled for the full 80 minutes. It was a well worked move involving the forwards and backs with a great interchange between Kyle Munro and Rhys Dell who ran over the try line. Cairns added the extra two points.

The period between the first and last try saw Old Brentwoods run in some very good tries although there were a number of errors in the away defence.

However, the meeting was marred by two more serious injuries to key players so Thames’ squad will continue to play a key part in their battle for survival this season.

Anthony Brooks took the first man of the match award for the season.

Thames host Stanford le Hope this weekend in their first home match of the new Essex 3 campaign.