RUGBY returned in thrilling fashion as Thurrock and Cobham played out an end-to-end clash in London One South.

Thurrock were edged out by Cobham, who were playing in the division following a summer transfer to balance the leagues, as the hosts left their fightback a little too late.

Cobham’s success was based on a strong line-out, and they scored first using this tactic, adding to extras to lead 7-0.

A try from Trent White and a penalty from Jake Barrand put Thurrock into the lead, but it was quickly lost as a copybook attack from Cobham resulted in a converted try.

But Charlie Russo dotted down, with Barrand adding the conversion to put Thurrock 15-14 ahead.

The last quarter of the first half belonged to the visitors, who went over for two further converted tries to lead 28-15.

Sonny Gay marked his return to Thurrock with a try, with the extras added by Barrand to reduce the deficit to six points.

But against the run of play a loose ball was kicked through and Cobham scored.

Earl Gorman added Thurrock’s fourth, although they still needed a converted try to win.

They almost got it in injury-time but Dan Ulph was stopped agonisingly short of the line.