Borough in action (From Thurrock Gazette)

Tough clash for hockey teams

5:22pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in Sport

Saffron Walden 2

Thurrock 2

HOCKEY: THIS clash was always going to be a tough first fixture with both teams fighting until the bitter end. Thurrock started the brighter with christian Jenkins, Jak Taylor and Dec Milane all missing excellent chances.

But Thurrock gave a sloppy short corner away which Saffron put past new boy Danny Hick. Thurrock then hit back by converting their own short corner which fizzed into the net.

Both teams tired in the second half with the game being played at a slightly less frenetic pace. But some slick passing from Christian, Steve Abbott and Jak Taylor the borough managed to force a own goal, pushing the score to 1-2. And then Thurrock tried to hold their ground.

Tommy Ing and Jorden Salmon put some very strong challenges in as the opposition swarmed. But Thurrock were tiring and Saffron got a late short and converted again to take the final score to 2-2. This week the first string face Upminster at Palmers College in what promises to be a tight affair.

Thurrock 3rds 5

Chelmsford 5ths 2

AFTER gaining promotion at the end of last season, Thurrock began their first game in Division 7SE strongly.

Using their wingers, Ricky Smith and Mat Skinner to stretch the opposition, they went into the lead when Himesh Patel’s free hit went to Sam Webb who centred for Liam Birch to beat the keeper.

When a Chelmsford attack was cut out by Rick Clubb, the player quickly moved inside the D where Patel fired inches wide.

However, the hit out by Chelmsford was intercepted by Birch who dribbled through the defence before getting his second goal. Chelmsford began to play the ball around and Andy Gaut made a series of fine saves before being beaten by a shot which crept inside the post.

After the break, Thurrock added to their lead, when Michael Fleming beat two players before slipping the ball to Dave Leeks who fired into the net.

From the restart Chelmsford attacked in numbers and opened up Thurrock’s defence with quick passing resulting in a mishit shot which deceived Gaut and crept over the line.

This spurred Thurrock into action. And Patel drove through the centre before passing to Fleming whose shot was covered by the keeper.

However, a speedy intervention by Skinner deflected the ball into the net for Thurrock’s fourth.

In the final minute, Thurrock were awarded a penalty corner which was hit out to Fleming whose shot flew between the keeper and defender and into the net.