New manager Ben Butler leads Thames to big win (From Thurrock Gazette)

Thames dominate in Kings X Steelers clash

10:00am Thursday 11th October 2012 in Sport

Thames 82,

Kings Cross Steelers 0

RUGBY: THAMES’ first home league game of the year saw newly appointed captain Ben Butler lead his team to victory.

Steelers dominated the early possession, but Thames responded well with a well crafted 50m darting run by Chris Ola who crashed over in the corner for the points, although Lee Cairns failed to kick the extras.

As the game got rolling, Thames racked up the points thanks to a super solo effort from Kenny Sams, followed up, a few minutes later with another from the same player – thanks to great set-up work from Matt Vallis, Chris Boyce and the Booyson brothers.

With the Steelers looking deflated, Lloyd Marriott added more points and then Chris Ola touched down too to make the score 33-0.

Other Thames tries came from Thames’ South African speedster Stuart and, in the second half, Kenny following great play from James Going.

The home supporters were in full voice, helping to open the flood gates and with 56 minutes on the clock Riaan linked up well with his brother Stuart to score a well executed try. The conversion was successful making it 61-0 to Thames.

Other tries came from Lloyd – his fourth of the day – and Chris Boyce, who ploughed his way through the visitors’ defence to score under the posts. On 71 minutes, an altercation between Matt Lincoln and a Steeler player resulted in them both being sent to the sinbin.

As the game was coming into the closing stages, the Steelers defence seemed deflated and Thames added more points to rub salt further into the wounds.