Thurrock 3rds 1, Rochford Casuals 1 HOCKEY: Both teams were playing their first game in NE14HOCKEY Division 8SE Thurrock having been promoted last season and Rochford being relegated.

The game was hard fought from the start with both teams battling hard.

As Rochford drove forward defenders George McAllister, Declan Salmon and Sam Webb had to be alert to put in a string of timely tackles.

After 15 minutes a clearance by Salmon was collected by Jimmy Venus who slipped the ball for Michael Fleming to drive into the area and lay on a pass for Lawrence Jackson to beat the keeper from close range.

Thurrock continued to have the majority of possession but could not add to their single goal by half time. In the second half Rochford reorganised their formation and were much more threatening but strong defending kept them at bay.

With 10 minutes to go, a quickly taken free hit by Rochford found Thurrock out of position allowing the speedy attacker to flick the ball into the net for the equaliser.

In the last minute a similar situation almost led to Rochford claiming the points as a shot from the edge of the area went just wide of the Thurrock post.

l On Saturday the 3rds away to Brentwood 6, at 11am.