A close run loss…

A grey chilly Sunday morning welcomed Thurrock U15s to Crow Lane and a close match beckoned. It was clear that Thurrock were ready for a very physical battle but as the first half started both sets of boys seemed rather sluggish. Thurrock put the pressure on straight away and quickly scored their first try of the game. This was swiftly followed up with a second try from Thurrock both of which went unconverted. This encouraged Romford though and they began to put the rally, a period of crash ball for Romford led to a penalty against Thurrock and the resulting line out led to Romford’s first try of the game. A lovely passing move along the backs from the line out saw James Mimms crash over in the corner for an excellent try and Sam Slatford’s conversion ended the half.

Half time: RGP 7-10 Thurrock

A more attacking Romford side came out after the break, the U15’s clearly felt this game could belong to them, a rumbling run by James Mimm’s was unstoppable and after evading several tackles he took Romford’s second try. Unfortunately Thurrock decided to fight straight back with another score but Romford again worked the ball back into play and began to attack. Thurrock conceded another penalty and a resulting move with some good passing along the line led to a third try scored by Luke Metcalf. The score was close at 17-15 to Romford but Thurrock stepped up their game in the last quarter. Romford tackled and rucked but they couldn’t stop another score by Thurrock and despite the Romford boys throwing themselves at their opponents Romford conceded again on the stroke of time. A very close and competitive game and all credit to the Romford boys who never gave up.

Final Score:

RGP 17
Thurrock 27

Tries: J. Mimms (2), Luke Metcalf
Conversions: Sam Slatford (1)

Squad: L. Metcalf (c), M. Courtney, N. Fragjaj, C. Hardy, L. Harris, S. Kerr, B. Lloyd, T. O’Meara, J. Mimms, R. Page, T. Polius, R. Pooley, L. Potter, J. Rawana, H. Runham, B. Shawyer, S. Slatford, M. Sultana, B. Walton, B. Watts