That was the main goal! So close at Harpenden but no cigar and no bus trip. Could the bus trip make the difference (more of that later) - could 4 games in, mean a return to Weedon Lane with smiles J and a significant away win away at Thurrock? The Thurrock District is well known as an ancient prairie home to Mammoths and modern home to chalk/mineral pits and of course the Lakeside Shopping Centre. Even with the off Mammoth in their pack the odds seemed good with our early and well-earned 3rd place league position in comparison to Thurrock being placed 10th.

Our travel to Oakfield was a smooth one. Steven our driver had as if by magic, secured a full tank of fuel from a petrol station. Luck was definitiely on our side. He was also very smartly dressed in white shirt and tie alongside our only travelling supporter, past club Chairman George Grammanos in full blazer and badge attire. Both sat front of coach as the boys settled for quiet contemplation as we travelled clockwise around the M25 to mammoth country.

Oakfield houses and very well groomed and grass main pitch. It also has a stand which like Harpenden would be full of vocal home supporters. Regardless though with Steven and George on our side we remained confident. The first 10 mins would again be crucial to make our statement of intent.

And so it was on 10mins a twinkle toed yet almost mammoth like Noah Jarvis burst through the Thurrock defence line and with a slick outside past to A&C Vice-Captain Lloyd Anderson he sprinted over and under the posts for the opening try. Easily converted by Ollie Choules (0-7). A&C momentum maintained this time it was the elusive Lloyd Anderson cutting through the Thurrock forward line with an outside pass to Peter Hughes who eased past the final defender, holding on to his developing moustache, for an unconverted try in the corner. (0-12).

Following some naughtiness in the Thurrock ranks Ollie Choules stroked a confident penalty to ensure a strong opening by A&C (0-15). Interestingly and following some more indiscipline from Thurrock Noah Jarvis then chose to take on a penalty from close to the half way line. Although many were surprised it was with panache and calmness that Noah stroked the ball directly centre and through the posts of joy for a (0-18) A&C lead.

From their frequent positions behind their posts Thurrock had talked about their anger and frustration of being in this position and it was now that they managed to score their first points of the day. Only in the 36th minute and after some sustained pressure they secured a converted try (7-18). This made them very pleased and certainly their loyal home support also responded with some hopeful noises.

Until Ollie Choules chose to finish off a strong A/C attack between forwards and backs just before half-time to ensure an impressive half-time lead (7 – 25). A reflective calmness was restored.

Both sides spent half-time out on the pitch. The in an almost God like manner the sun burst through heavy clouds and causing everyone to sweat even more. Summer had come to Thurrock no less and the home crowd sought to make more of a carnival atmosphere. Initially it was though A&C that started the sunshine party. Jack Kenyon, on from the bench and onto the right wing, leapt like the salmon he is and clutched the ball in contact, before sprinting off like a hunted gazelle. There were no mammoths giving chase, instead a couple of cheetahs pursued and caught their pray. Like the trained salmon Jack is he ensured a sound pick-up from a very supportive Ollie Choules to secure a further converted try and stretch the A&C lead following half-time (7-32).

With an ever encouraging crowd, Thurrock always sought to fight back and with an unconverted try on 66 mins (12-32) and then a converted try on 70 mins (19-32) we just seemed to be entering a match phase where the young and powerful A&C side just want to make the match more exciting. And so prior to a exciting end it was on 72mins that Peter Hughes again, with his moustache taped on, again hurtling down the wing like a ‘Flying Scotsman’ scoring a magnificent converted try (Ollie again obliging (19-39)

So there we are – with the work done I’m sure the Thurrock converted try on 76 mins (26-39) and then with the last kick of the match a further converted try by Thurrock (33-39) gave the locals something to shout about.

A well-deserved A&C away win in an area where in the past we have not been successful. All credit to all involved.

Special mentions and congratulations to the following A&C First Team Coach Virgins who successfully completed their initiation processes. This achievement is not to be ender-estimated and of course gave great entertainment to those more experienced in the clubs name. Welcome! welcome! welcome! and well done! There of course can be no further details as tour rules apply.

Doug McGregor-Smith, David Cole, Wee Charlie Bourne, Jacques O’Driscoll and Will Drewett – all please take a bow and thank you for your courage, determination and cleanliness clearing up the mess. The residents of Weedon Lane also thank you all for their evening entertainment. I can say no more.

Next week it’s the Essex Boys of Brentwood visiting our fields of Sham. There’s little doubt these matches are ones to watch and yes for the week following there’s plenty room on our coach to keep Steven, George and of course all of us company. As you now know our first time coach travellers are always made welcome

Man of the Match – Noah Jarvis (centre)

See you next week

Andy

Andrew Grant