Thurrock 2nd XV 19 Chelmsford 2nd XV 29

A trip to Thurrock this week in the wind and the rain. A squad of 18 that had been 22 on Thursday evening. The players of the Blueboys B XV needed to 'dig deep' to keep the winning run going and remain top of Automotive Group Essex Merit Table 1.

Winning the toss Captain Gardner decided to play against the elements in the first half. The pitch was firm in the majority of places as the wind blow across the pitch from left to right. The early exchanges were even as Thurrock kicked for territory and Chelmsford tried to keep the ball tight and close. After 20 minutes the score was Thurrock 0 Chelmsford 0.

With Chelmsford now in the final third the backs started to come alive. The new centre partnership of Williams and Gadd were testing the home defence and Sims on the left wing had a few well executed runs. This pressure finally came to fruition as McLaughlan skipped over for the first try of the game - Thurrock 0 Chelmsford 7.

It was becoming increasingly difficult to compete at the ruck and Thomas found himself in sin bin trouble and a yellow card with five minutes of the first half to go. The Thurrock centre was also in trouble for a high tackle that evened up the numbers. Half time score - Thurrock 0 Chelmsford 7.

A young home side hadn't read the script however, as two quick tries on the outside shoulder saw Thurrock take the lead. Thurrock 14 Chelmsford 7. Would the visitors be able respond? The forwards needed to rally, and rally they did, as Pluck and Eze crashed over for tries two and three, both converted by McLaughlan - Thurrock 14 Chelmsford 19.

The enthusiasm of youth however kept going and another energetic try levelled the scores again - Thurrock 19 Chelmsford 19 with 15 minutes to go. The bench was crucial at this time as Stokes scored for the restart. Trinder-Hunt and Eze were now taking control in scrum and the final minutes of the game were played in the Thurrock final third. With man of the match McLaughlan scoring his second the final whistle blow with the final score reading - Thurrock 19 Chelmsford 19.

The Blueboy B XV can be very satisfied with their season to date. Top of the table with January and February to look forward to. Squad - Ugo Eze, Tom George, Charlie Walubita, Alex Gardner, Henry Payne, Marc Pluck, Harrison Thomas, Matt Jefferson, Tom Allway, James McLaughlan, Charlie Sims, Max Williams, James Gadd, Justin Young, Saulge Hubert, Daniel Trinder-Hunt, Jamie Calver, Matt Stokes.