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Third XV (Acorns)

Match Reports 2007/8

Latest games first:

Feb 16th 2008

A long time ago (about 2 days (16/2/2008)) in a not so far off land

The legend of the Thurrock 3rd team returned.

Despite the utmost security word got out that Thurrock ’s legend would return!

First to run scared was Millwall they cancelled in complete awe of their forthcoming clash with Thurrock ’s 3rd team & their legend

Next to flee was a terrified Ilford, they had also heard.

Despite strenuous denials from Clive Banbury of his fabled return, Canvey also pulled out of a potential encounter with the 3rds  

Next up was Upper Clapton unfortunately news on the grapevine spreads so fast, they also pulled out at the last moment.

Fortunately communication systems in the wilds of Westcliff are so outdated that news had not reached that distant outpost yet. And they agreed to come and chance their arm against Thurrock ’s well oiled machine (the 3rds)

Even the ref cried off!

But Thurrock ’s own are made of sterner stuff and Dave Pavitt agreed to ref the game.

Across all disciplines he performed well letting play flow, whilst never missing a bent put-in or high tackle.

He only blotted his copy book in one department he had forgotten that age old rule (156.2a)

The rule clearly states that when a player takes the field for a game called Steve Vickers he must be sin-binned at least once if not sent off.

On a beautiful winters day Westcliff bravely took the field against the mighty 3rds with one condition - the legend would not be allowed to play against them.

By half time they were so beaten and demoralised that 4 players left the field never to return.

All this time the legend was stalking the touchline itching for action - would Westcliffe agree to his return?

The half time pep talk was easy.

Not because of the teams performance so far but the fact Drew was on the touch line shouting instructions.

The team were told that whatever happens do the opposite to what Drew is saying. 

The second half started and in a show of respect for their opposition the 3rds gave them some replacements including the Legend.

The game continued where it had left the 1st half.

With the 3rds very own turnip scoring his 1st try (well done Jouni)

But would the legend make an impact surely not against his own team. Time would tell.

With the game progressing Westcliff and the legend were building up pressure on Thurrock ’s try line,

Spike threw a hospital ball to his captain (Pip Barry) who under all amounts of pressure behind his own posts decided that it’s not the job of a front row to kick the ball into touch, and that he must run with it.

He set off (later it was remarked by spike he moved like a steam train) on his solo run taking him the length of the field to score a truly amazing try flattening the opposition captain on route.

Other Thurrock players to score were

Mike Norley (his 1st for the club congratulations)

Barry Page as usual

Sean Cotter (probably should have passed)

Flav had to do something

Ashleigh as usual

Dean Harris - sorry my mistake he was the only back not to score.

& Ricky (this was especially nice as being valentines weekend Sonia was able to see both her boyfriends score)

To continue on the valentines note

After such a free scoring game (69-7) the single players all decided to try their luck scoring at the Treacle Mine after the game, sadly they are not single for nothing and all failed.

This was a brilliant performance by all and the 3rds kept up their record of always winning on their pitch

Those not to get a mention but equally impressive included

Paul no need for henna

Ben small Hewitt

Malcolm I need to lose some weight  

Nosh his name speaks for itself

Tomo2

Will how’s my eye liner sparkling

Granddad john

Ben Woodcock just a rumour or is it?

The legend Flipper

Jan 26th 2008

Thurrock 3rds won 17 -8 against Upper Clapton  

Barking cried off scared after loosing their 3 previous meetings against the 3rds

So the much travelled 3rds went on the fixture exchange

The 3rd team squad is now so strong we even agreed to play 2 matches one at home to Burnham and another away to Clapton

Burnham cried off last thing

Not everyone could travel to Clapton so 21 players went away and Snitch kindly helped out the 4ths

Including…

Two new South African players who made their debut for the club, (both can play at number 10)

And a flying winger called Henry also debuted

Welcome to the club J J, Riaan & Henry

On a very heavy pitch a very enjoyable game was played out.

The Thurrock pack completely out scrumaged the opposition all game

With John Beard & Pip Barry leading by example form the front row

Brody, Tomo, Nodge, Tom & Gerry all being dragged forward in the second row

And Jimmy & Martin controlling the game from the flanks.

We lent Ben Hewitt to the opposition In the 1st half with Steve Vickers in our front row and scored a push over try, sorry Ben

At ½ time we swapped Steve and Ben around (oddly enough both front rows got uglier) then we scored another push over try, sorry Steve

On both occasions Martin Mad Cock tripped up & fell on the ball

Players note (Hookers in particular) we are doing extra scrumage training so that we keep the ball in the front row next time we drag the rest of our pack over the try line to score a push over try.

The Backs meanwhile put up one of the best defensive displays that you are likely to see

You could not ask for more effective tackling from Dave, Dean, Ricky, Henry, j j, Riaan, Sean, Matt & Sam  

Sean Cotter scored a conversion (sorry I can not remember which of the 3 attempts it was)

In the second ½ we swapped the teams about and after excellent performances by

Matt Holloway, Tom Drewitt & Dave Wiggins   

They were replaced by

Gerry, Riaan & Nosh who all performed equally as well

Our 3rd score of the game, came from great team play and a long drive up the touch line.

Repeatedly the ball was picked up, crashed forward and recycled.

After all the hard work by everyone in the team (except Steve Thomson) he cheekily popped up to steel Pips try from 0.000001mm out

Don’t let him tell you it was any further out

Also note it is believed that despite a lifetime of playing this is Steve’s 1st try

Henry was our last substitution came on for a most impressive 20 min debut.

As soon as he came on he ran ½ length of the pitch flat out and cut his opposite number in two (they are still sticking him together)

The tackle was the best one I have ever seen & at the next scrum the ref said that it was the best tackle he had seen

The man he tackled said that he would buy him a beer for the tackle it was that good.

Needless to say he will be starting next week away to Billericay for the 3rds




















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