Tring 45

Thurrock 31

RUGBY: THURROCK suffered another defeat on the road at Cow Lane.

But it could have been very different. The early moments proved to be a marker for the rest of the game as the referee penalised the T’s forwards on three occasions giving the home side a 9-0 lead in the first 10 minutes – all from the boot of Mitchell.

But T’s bounced back and from turnover ball they broke and fed Jake Barrand down the blind side. But the winger was stopped just short. From the resultant line-out Thurrock’s forwards started to dominate up front and were rewarded when Bradleigh Retigan went over from the base of the scrum. Frankie Neale added the conversion. A fracas off the ball led to a player from both sides being sent to the bin. And in a blow to T’s prop Lewis Brunger had to leave the field with a sprained ankle. But it led to two more home side tries from Newton and Wattleworth, the former being converted by Mitchell. However, the later was shrouded in controversy from a line out that did not go the required 5m despite protests the referee allowed the try to stand.

Neale reduced the arrears on the stroke of half time with a well-taken penalty for the home side to lead 21-10 at the break.

The second half again started in another controversial incident when a member of the Tring back row was sent off for a spear tackle. Although the Thurrock player was unhurt the referee incited intent and the player was shows a red card. The home side got more points on the board thanks to a Barnes try and Mitchell added the conversion. But then Thurrock stormed back with the Thurrock full back Frankie Neale adding two converted tries to bring the visitors within four points at 28-24.

But further strange penalty call put Thurrock again on the backfoot and Tauasosi scored by the posts with Mitchell adding a conversion and a penalty,. But it was Neale again who scored another try which he converted . This gained the bonus point for Thurrock and an extra point for being within seven points.

But the home side had the last word with moments to go Michalski scored a try wide out after an infringement at the scrum which Thurrock had dominated all afternoon the referee again was in the spotlight reversing the free kick for chat. Mitchell converted to run salt into the wound and the scoreline rather flattered the home side.

Thurrock: Neale, Farrell, Skelton, Sullivan, Barrand, Meek, Jones, Brunger, Durrance, Bevans-Royston, Loka, Banks, Flavin, Russo, Retigan Rep Hulse, Worsfold, Ellis.

l This week Thurrock are home to Barnes with the kick off at 3pm.