Dagenham 2nds 5, Thurrock 4ths Thurrock 4ths 43 RUGBY: For Thurrock, it was nice to get back to winning ways and, more the point, avenge an earlier defeat at home.

Several players had returned to the team after the recent long lay off and it was one of these, Dave Graham, who drove over from a 5 metre scrum from flanker. Cotter converted. However, Dagenham hit back immediately with a well taken try.

The Thurrock pack now became increasingly dominant in the scrum, with Steve Vickers taking a couple against the head.

From a 5m line, Captain Walsh caught and the Thurrock pack drove over for Tony Millsom to score. The second half saw Thurrock increase their efforts all round and it was Luke Cotter who broke the line in the opposition 22 and went over unopposed under the Dagenham posts and converted his own try. With the Thurrock forwards winning plenty of ball, the scrums had to go uncontested, which was not in Thurrock’s best interest.

After several good ‘hard yards’ of pick and drive just outside the opposition 22, that man Tony Millsom chipped the defence and beat the full back to the touch down. Cotter again converted.

Then it was the turn of Mike Crawford to crash over from a couple of metres out after more good attacks from the forwards.

Lastly, Reece Collins finished off a good backs handling move to score wide out.

Thurrock ran out deserved winners 5–43. Next week Thurrock 4ths are at home to League leaders Upper Clapton.

For more on this match and much more rugby see Friday's Thurrock Gazette.