Thurrock 12 - Epping 2s 33

Now Gunners may only be a third of the size of most of his team mates but 2 tries, countless tackles and the ability to bring his teammates on with his countless enthusiasm was pivital in this hard earned victory at Oaklands last Saturday afternoon.
Games against Thurrock, no matter which team you play are always rather physical and this match was to be no different.
As with previous weeks many changes were made and with the Extra A crying off a much needed influx of oldies helped in getting this game played.

With troubles on the M25 the game began with several players still en route to the ground.
Thurrock kicked off and was received by 2nd team coach Mark Kent who proceeded to barn storm his way up field, finally being stopped in the home sides 22.
Clapton continued to exhert pressure but were met by a stubborn Thurrock defence. It wasnt until the 20 minute mark and T's playing with a player short due to an early sin binning that the visitors finally crossed the white wash when Gunnell found space after a lineout and charged over the line.
Epping were enjoying a good amount of posession and scored again with the last play of the half when Dobbin crossed after some neat handling from the backs. This was to leave the half time score at 12-0 to the club
Clapton made one change at the break with Matt Sweeney replacing Jakk Harty in the back row. Kenty had also left the field after damaging his hand. Although playing on for ten minutes hospital xrays had identified that he had broken two finger's
The club continued the second half as they had the first by playing at a high tempo. This was to lead to Claptons third try of the afternoon . This time Cam Furlong finding himself with the ball and five yards from the line..only one winner there then.
With a healthy 19 point lead thoughts of an easy afternoon were soon diminished as Thurrock came back hard and scored two well worked tris to reduce Claptons led to seven points. Some harsh words by Skipper Tom Procell had the required effect as Clapton went back on the attack and scored a further two tries. One after a 40cm dash by Martin "Youthful" Smith after a POWERful run from Adam POWER.
The final score of the day went to Gunnell after a superb break by Liam Rogers.
Potato converted 4 of the 5 tries to leave the final score at 33-12 to the visitors.
A good performace from the 2s who are building some real momentum as they enter the vinegar strokes of the season.
Next week the 2's host Basildon 3s in another merit table fixture