Fourth string in action for borough (From Thurrock Gazette)

Strong start for Thurrock's scrum men

11:00am Thursday 18th October 2012 in Sport

Westcliff 4ths 27,

Thurrock 4ths 29

RUGBY: THE borough fourth string started their game strongly, with backs and forwards linking well. The early pressure was quite intense and it was not long before a poor clearance kick fell literally into the hands of Joel Dailey, who went round his man to score in the corner.

Then the left wing Fuller managed to get on the score sheet, after strong running by Bonner and Ray. The 4ths were looking comfortable.

However, Westcliff came back very strongly and scored themselves. A further 4th team try came from Jimini Ray, charging down another clearance kick and touching down himself. Converted by Simmonds Senior. However, once again, Westcliff came back to score another try from a quickly taken line out.

Again, the 4ths started strongly in the second half and it was not long before Thurrock stretched the Westcliff defence with centre Reece Cunningham ghosting in under the posts to score a try converted by Simmonds Senior.

Once again, Westcliff were allowed back into the game, as their big number eight went in under the posts.

Reece Cunningham then made another fine break, the pack took it on up the field to the Westcliff 22 and the ball went down the line to legend Barry Magnurson, making his first start of the season, who went over.

Still Westcliff came back and back, via their strong running forwards, until the Thurrock defence eventually broke. Unfortunately the scorer elected to take a quick drop kick – and missed from under the posts.

For the last ten minutes Thurrock were under intense pressure, but managed to turn over the ball, Cunningham took it upfield to the Westcliff 22.

The resulting scrum was attacked by the Thurrock pack and Westcliff eventually knocked on in their own 22 when the whistle went. Thurrock done well to hold Westcliff back – and ran out deserved winners 22-29.

Thurrock 4ths are at home to Basildon third team in the League.