Thurrock show new-found confidence (From Thurrock Gazette)

Bonus point win for borough

5:14pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in Sport

Thurrock 1sts 38

Tring 10

RUGBY: THURROCK’S re-found confidence came to the fore in a scintillating first half display in this National 3 (London and South East) clash which saw them record a bonus point with four well taken tries. Tring were welcomed to Oakfield with their game low on confidence after two defeats, and seemed to be intent in playing a close forward orientated game.

But Thurrock, who are more than happy to defend this situation and await mistakes, decided to play the game this way. And the tactics worked well for the Thurrock outfit who looked sharper and better prepared.

A poor clearance kick was run back and Josh Cook capped a fine display with the opening try.

Frankie Neale added the extra points with the conversion. Newton quickly replied with a penalty to reduce the deficit – but that was the best it got for the visitors. Markus Burcham jinked his way through created space and accelerated through to score.

Neale missed the conversion – but as always with him – you are unable to keep him out of long and he came to the party with a brace of tries which he converted himself to extend the lead to 26-3 at half time. The former was thanks mainly to a fantastic break from Bradleigh Retigan whose quick thinking with a tap made about 50 metres and set ball for the backs to use the space provided.

Tring responded the second half with the same tactics trying to keep the ball for long periods.

But again it they made very little ground and never looked like scoring.

Thurrock were soon back on the score sheet when Joe Hardy scored his first try for the club wide out after good forward play making hard yards.

Neale was wide with the conversion which was his last action as Thurrock rang the changes.

Dan Carey replaced Christian Rate, Jake Barrand came on for Neale and Joe Jones came on for Lee Herrington to make his first team debut, and he soon capped off his debut with a try, which Barrand converted. The visitors however did score close to the end and it was their full back Newton who managed to score wide out and add the conversion to give the travelling supporters something to cheer about. Tomorrow (Saturday) Thurrock host Old Elthamians at Oakfield at 3pm. Thurrock: Neale, Farrell, Gorman, Burcham, Hardy, Rudgeley, Cook, Rate, Durrance, Bevans-Royston, Cooper-Hicks, Herrington, Timson, Russo, Retigan. Rep: Carey, Barrand, Jones