THURROCK T-Birds defeated Bath 32-21 to make it consecutive wins at the start of the Championship South season.

Siobhan Longdon-Hughes scored twice early on but Thurrock trailed at the break.

However, scores from India Harvey, Jennifer Stanhope, Sally Tuson and Tam Nicholls handed Ts the bonus point win.

And it was a result that pleased coach Andy Yarrow.

“It was a game of two halves,” he said. “They were better in the first half but after that we came out firing in the second half and we got what turned out to be a decisive score shortly after half-time.”

“We have worked hard on fitness levels in the summer and they told in the second half.”

Yarrow added the T’s popularity is arguably bigger than it has ever been with around 35 regulars at training sessions.

And the coach is confident the group can compete at the top of the division throughout the year following consecutive victories.

“The expectations of the girls are very high,” said Yarrow. “They want to win the league and even though we have brought in a lot of new players at this level, we are competing and getting results.”

This weekend will see the T’s field a second team - for the first time ‘in a very long while’ according to Yarrow - in a contest against Westcliff.

And despite the positive start, Yarrow says there is still work to be done.

“We have done well so far but I am still working on the structure and game management.”

A minute’s applause was held before kick-off on Saturday in memory of former ladies physio Ian White.

“He was loved by everyone,” said Yarrow.