WITHAM 7 THURROCK III 33

Essex Merit Table division four

It was another tough day for Witham but there were signs of encouragement for skipper Steve Johanson in their display.

From the opening salvos it was clear the visitors were a well-drilled side and Witham would be tested in all areas, but the home defence held out well as Thurrock looked for an early score. Not only did they not get through but Witham broke out and pushed for an early try themselves.

The deadlock was finally broken after 20 minutes when the visitors’ forwards broke through and forced their way to the line.

Witham were stunned and did not recover composure as Thurrock ran in another two tries before half-time.

However, coach Rodney Sarling rallied the troops and Witham started the second half on the attack.

After a break by veteran Adam Scott-Mason was halted illegally, former junior Doulton Wells took the penalty quickly.

Having made the break he fed to fellow youngster Keith Willmott, who Thurrock could not halt as he drove to the line.

This was a match that saw former junior players shine as Connor Heffernan proved a solid full-back and Jordan Smee was named man-of-the-match.

Although Thurrock scored two more tries to seal a comfortable win, Witham captain Johanson, who is also a former junior took heart from the team’s performance. He said: “I can see an awesome team in the making here.”

Witham are due to travel to Romford thirds tomorrow.