1st XV
Matches
Sat 23 Apr 2022  ·  London 1 North
Thurrock
19
36
Eton Manor RFC
1st XV
Tries: L Anderson (2), C Squire, I Onabajo, J Sullivan-Warner, J ListonConversions: N Horton (4)
Victory at Thurrock is a fine tribute to Coach Conners last game in charge.

Victory at Thurrock is a fine tribute to Coach Conners last game in charge.

Martin Pearl25 Apr 2022 - 12:48
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Manor travelled to Thurrock this week to resume old rivalries in the last league game of the season. Although having nothing to play for in league positions, it was an important game for Manor as it was bringing the curtain down on Head Coach Jamie Conner's time in charge, stepping down after 10 years loyal and successful service with the club.

Manor kicked off the match playing into a strong breeze and had the better of the early exchanges using their big runners to good effect and when attacking, their backline look dangerous as they moved the ball quickly in fast paced attacks. At the set piece it was soon apparent that they had the superior scrum, something that won them a number of penalties during the game.

Despite starting the better of the two sides it was Manor who soon found themselves behind on the scoreboard, after some good play by Thurrock, aided by Manor giving away a couple of penalties the hosts were awarded an attacking lineout. Their throw in was won and their well drilled maul drove Manor back, when the drive was eventually stopped, Thurrock’s scrumhalf spotted a gap on the blindside and scampered over the line for the first try of the game. The strong wind made place kicking a lottery and the extra points were not added but Thurrock lead 5 – 0 after 5 minutes.

From the restart Ire Onabajo competed and won Manor a scrum, here they were awarded a penalty which they kicked for lineout. Manor now used the ball quickly with forwards and backs combining well attacking Thurrock’s line, David Ogufere had a couple of powerful runs and on the second, he broke through a number of tackles before being halted a few meters short, he passed out to Onabajo on the wing and he outpaced the covering defenders to go in at the corner for Manors first try. Nick Horton just missed with the conversion attempt but Manor were now level at 5 – 5 after 13 minutes.

Manor continued to have the upper hand where their forwards were bashing holes in Thurrock’s defence, after a couple of powerful drives by BJ Tunde and Jesse Liston, Manor worked their way close to Thurrock’s line where Jack Scorer took the ball at pace and drove the 7 meters over the line with 3 defenders trying to stop him, only for the ref to judge that the final pass was forward, a somewhat debateable decision.

Manor continued to attack Thurrock’s line and only good defending by Thurrock stopped Ogufere from scoring as he was held just short of the line. From the scrum Manor drove their opposition back winning the ball but as it went along the backline the ball was knocked on giving a scrum to Thurrock. Again Manor were awarded a penalty at the scrum and opted to take another. Here Ogurere powered off the back before feeding winger Jordan Sullivan - Warner, he broke through a couple of tackles and dived over the line for Manors second try. This time Horton was successful with the difficult conversion and gave Manor a 5 – 12 lead after 30 minutes.

From the re-start Thurrock upped their game and put Manor under pressure inside their 22. From one phase of play Ogurere was injured and had to leave the field to take no further part in the match. His replacement Frank Sackey came on for his first team debut.

Thurrock continued to have the better of things and eventually their pressure told when, from their main weapon, the driving lineout, they won clean ball then moved it quickly along their backs where a gap was spotted in Manors defences and Thurrock went over for their second try which converted brought the scores level at 12 -12 after 37 minutes.

The rest of the half was played out with neither side able to added to their tally although Horton did have a penalty attempt at goal with the last play of the half, which missed, as both sides retreated to the changing rooms with honours even.

Thurrock kicked off the second half and soon gave away a set scrum. Here Manor secured their ball which was moved along the backline where fullback Christian Squire showed a great turn of pace to take the ball from his 10 meter line to deep inside Thurrock’s 22 but his support was slow catching up with him and Manor gave away a pressure relieving penalty.

Thurrock made the best of Manors discretions winning a couple of penalties, but they were unable to capitalise on their possession and territory as they fumbled the ball whilst attacking just outside Manors 22, the ball fell to the ground where Scorer kicked the ball ahead for Lloyd Anderson to chase. He was winning the chase and as he approached the oppositions 22 with no defenders in front of him, Thurrock’s No 22 hauled him back with both arms brining him to ground and stopping him scoring a try. The ref who was again well behind play, gave nothing allowing Thurrock to launch a counter attack.

Manor were soon down to 14 men when prop Geoff Hughes was sinned binned for some foul play at a ruck.

With Brad Burrell on in the front row and despite being down to 14 men Manor had the upper hand attacking Thurrock’s 22. After winning a penalty Jake Kane took a quick tap and go and linked up with Onabajo who took play to within 15 meters of the line where Thurrock gave away another penalty. Horton took a quick tap and fed Squire, he linked up with Burrell who drove on and when taken to ground the ball was quickly recycled to the onrushing Liston who picked a sublime attacking line to slice through the Thurrock defence to go over for a seven point score, Manor now lead 12 – 19.

Thurrock came straight back at Manor where from another attacking lineout they moved the ball along their line where it was their fullbacks turn to cut a great line and go over for a seven point score bringing the scores level at 19 – 19.

Thurrock were now hampered by injuries but play was even with both sides having attacking opportunities and both sides giving away needless penalties.

Manors next score came with Thurrock in possession trying to attack from their 10 meter line, but Manor were putting them under pressure and as they tried to move the ball along their line, Anderson intercepted the pass and this time wasn’t denied a try by foul play as he raced over for another Manor 7 point try.

Thurrock were now tiring and from the restart Frank Sullivan set up another Manor attack from deep, and after going through a number of hands substitute Luca Minns set off making 20 meters down the touchline before setting up the ball for Burrell to take on the attack, he then linked with Squire who caused Thurrock more problems making ground then linked with Minns who passed back to Anderson who was running over the line before the ref brought them back for a very dubious forwards pass call, another certain try had been denied.

Thurrock continued to attack when they could, but Manors next try came from Thurrock attacking ball. After winning a lineout Thurrock were awarded a freekick inside Manors 22. They took a quick tap and go and moved the ball along their line but a man and ball tackle by Liston saw him rip the ball out of the attackers arms before feeding Kane who in turn moved the ball to Minns, he took the ball on before Squire got his hands on the ball taking it to hallway before Manors forwards arrived. Clement Harrison took the ball on and when a ruck was formed Horton sent a well judged box kick inside Thurrock’s 22. Although the defence got their first Anderson got man and ball and won a turn over. Harrison again drove the ball on before swift handling by Sullivan and Scorer saw Squire go over in the corner for an unconverted try, at 19 – 31 the victory was assured with a few minutes left to play.

The final score again came from Thurrock’s attacking play, the ball was turned over allowing Minns to again set up a counter attack before Harrison continued the attack charging up field. When brought to ground the ball was quickly secured and fed to Anderson out wide who broke through a few tired tackles to go over in the corner with the final play of the match. With Horton unable to add the extra points the ref brought the game, and season to a conclusion with Manor running out 19 – 36 winners.

With the season over Manor can look back on what might have been as a dip in form after Xmas put paid to their promotion hopes. The final victory of the season was a fitting way to pay tribute to Head Coach Jamie Conner's final game in charge after 10 successful years at the club. His massive contribution to the club was marked with a presentation after the game, and a few emotional speeches showed the esteem he is held in within Eton Manor.

Well, that’s all from me and after nearly 13 years of completing match reports it’s time for me to put away my quill and parchment paper and step down as the clubs match reporter. Hopefully someone will take up the reigns for next season. I do hope that I have over the years given supporters a true refection of what has gone on in matches and that you have got enjoyment from reading them, even if they have been on many occasions too long.
UTM.

Match details

Match date

Sat 23 Apr 2022

Kickoff

15:00

Meet time

13:30

Location

Competition

London 1 North

League position

6
Eton Manor
11
Thurrock
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

First XV Sponsor - White Skips Hire Ltd
1st Team Sponsor - Essex Security
Club Sponsor - Edwards Duthie Solcitors
1st team sponsor - Austin-Chapel LLP
Mens Shorts Sponsor - Macai
1st Team Sponsor - 1st Event Luxury Travel
1st Team Sponsor - Petty Son & Prestwich
Stand Sponsor - Brownes
Board - Thameside Roofing Ltd
RFU Member Club - Accredited RFU Club