Woodford 19, Thurrock 30 RUGBY: THURROCK gained revenge for their defeat at the hands of Woodford earlier in the season.
This time they staged an emphatic victory, crossing the whitewash five times despite the swirling wind and heavy overnight rain.
The home side got off to the better start, camping in Thurrock’s half for the opening exchanges. Their pressure only saw them take the lead with a Lloyd penalty.
Thurrock weathered the storm and came bouncing back and the backs started to look dangerous when in attack and Ben Madden supported well and ran in wide of the posts.
Thurrock dominated the next phase of the game and winger Sam Porter added a brace of tries to underline Thurrock’s superior play. Mark Brandon was off target with three difficult conversions, as the half closed which totally belonged to the visitors, it was marred by Dave Stevens leaving the field with an arm injury. He was replaced by Seb Rate.
The second period started and Thurrock looked to capitalise even further but a mistake in midfield saw Woodford kick the ball through and the cover defence was unable to beat home side winger Duffy to the touchdown.
Lloyd added the conversion and all of a sudden they were back in the game.
Gaining in confidence, Woodford put Thurrock on the back foot and Tees conceded two further kickable penalties – both gratefully accepted by Lloyd – to turn the game on its head and put Thurrock on the back foot with the scoreline at 16-15.
From looking comfortable Thurrock now had to dig deep and they regained the lead when Mark Brandon kicked a 40m penalty.
Despite injuries to Aaron Woodward and Chris Banks and a complete reshuffle of the forwards with Nat Farrell who normally plays on the wing going into the back row he was quickly joined by Sam Porter following his first half efforts into the forwards. Thurrock kept attacking and two tries from captain Darryl Worster in the closing minutes - converted by Brandon with the last kick of the game - sealed the deal.
In between tries Hyett kicked a penalty for the home side, but it was all in vain. This sets up this weekend’s home game with Chingford as 3rd plays 4ths l This week Thurrock are at home to Chingford. Kick off will be 3pm
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