RUGBY: THURROCK’S men and women fared very differently at the weekend.

The mens’ team’s struggles in National Three London & South East continued with a 47-10 defeat to Tonbridge Juddian.

Thurrock remain second from bottom in the standings and have now won just two of their 12 league games so far this season. But things were very different for the Ladies as Thurrock’s T-Birds romped to a 98-0 victory over Bristol. Top of the table Thurrock fielded one of their strongest match day squads this season with the return of Radford from injury and the addition of Spanish winger Ortega Corrales.

And the result demonstrated the shortcomings of the league structure in English Women’s Rugby. The crowd witnessed some fantastic running rugby and duly enjoyed a try fest, but the game could never be described as competitive.

Determined to put an error strewn outing at Hove behind them, the T-birds came out in front of the vociferous Oakfield.

Great early play came from captain Mercedes Foy – smashing holes in the midfield – while Emerson also showed her skills to scamper over in under two minutes.

With the domination of the forwards complete, T-Birds had scored their fifth try within 15 minutes.

On teh scoresheer were Harvey, Burford and Francis (twice).

Scott sliced them open for a solo effort and then the forwards got in on the action with Fi Jordan and Foy bringing up the 50 point mark.

The T-Birds then rounded off the half and their domination of the Bristol pack, with the now obligatory push over try. The score was 57-0 at half time.

In the second half Foy and Phelps each completed their brace and Harris claimed a hat-trick.

Number eight Phelps once again displayed her “never say die” attitude to chase down a Bristol mistake behind their try line and touch down her hat trick and the team’s 16th. Scott closed the game out with the final kick to bring the final score to 98-0.

The T-Birds are away at Saracens on Sunday December 15, KO expected to be 2pm at Bramley Road.

Next home fixture at Oakfield against Trojans Sunday 22nd December KO 2pm. sThis will be followed by an Essex men’s Under 20 fixture.