LONDON 1 (N) Ruislip 35, Thurrock 15 RUGBY: THURROCK was beaten for the first time in a year at Ruislip on Saturday.

They always knew this was going to be a tough competition – and will no doubt be determined to gain revenge later in the season.

This week the coaching staff of Jamie Daisley and ‘Butch’ Wilkins will be doing all they can to restore confidence and continue the progress made over the past two seasons.

Thurrock slipped to their heaviest league defeat since losing 36-0 at the hands of Chingford in November 2007.

But it was not until the last quarter of the match they conceded 20 unanswered points did they crumble.

But the game started with Thurrock electing to play uphill and a found themselves 5-0 down when the Ruislip player scored a try even though he appeared to drop the ball over the line.

Thurrock went straight back and Nat Farrell was given the chance to score wide out to bring the visitors level. The match deteriorated into a messy affair with penalties being conceded in all areas as Thurrock conceded a further converted try and a penalty to trail 15-5 with the break approaching. But in injury time Aaron Burns landed a penalty with the last play of the half to see the half time score 15-8.

Thurrock could not get into their normal rhythm, but a break by Chris Banks saw him interchange passes with Ian Rudgely who scored near the posts.

The turning point came from a 5m line out the Ruislip forwards catch and drove has they had done most of the afternoon, but Thurrock defended well to and held the ball up over the line but the referee awarded a try.

This contentious decision seemed to knock the confidence from Thurrock and a yellow card forced them to play the last 10 minutes with only 14 men.

In that period Thurrock conceded a penalty and two further tries. THURROCK: Worster, Farrell, Stanley, Madden(Gorman 50) Porter, Rudgely, Burns, North, Carey, Rate, Woodward, Banks, Batho, Crowhurst, Rettigan. Rep Keefe, Howells.

This week, Thurrock entertain Woodford at Oakfield at 3pm.