Manor lose to very strong Thurrock side

Eton Manor 3s v Thurrock 2s.

After a close draw last week against South Woodham manor were keen to get their season started against thurrock 2s. Returning to the side from previous weeks was everyones favourite grump Cushy, Luke from his eye opening trip to Ireland, the very beardy Ryan and young Sam. Tom McGarr also came in for his 3rd team debut at 10. As expected thurrock 2s turned up and looked very organised and very, veyr big! IT seemed like they were a head taller than every manor forward. Manor knew the task in front of them and warmed up with confidence that they could get the job done. After all size isn’t everything!

The game started with Thurrocks big forwards coming into play and Manor struggling to use possession and retain the ball. Thurrock worked the ball well and scored a good try off a line out. Manor continued to defend well however were wasteful with our own ball. A poor pass allowed a thurrock back to score an easy try and manor found thsemvles 2 tries down with 2 of the back line and one of the pack coming off with injuries. Manor pulled together and slowly and surely pulled their way back into the game. Good carries from George, Tomcat and Cushy created good field position before a good try was scored by manor (i cant remember who on earth got it)

At half time Manor knew they were still in the game and had dominated the last 20 minutes of the half and could still win the game. Re-enforcements came from Elton and Luke to replace tired legs. Straight off the kick off Elton caught the ball and sat down one of the thurrock forwards before charging up the pitch. Perfect start to the half. Manor then continued to play good rugby and worked their way up the field often turning defence into attack. After some cynical play near the try line manor took a quick tap and yours truly touched down under the posts. Manor continued to bash away at the thurrock try line but injuries continued to hamper the manor structure. An injury to Tharbish meant a reshuffle with George Cosma joining the backline to play centre. As the game grew on manor’s legs grew slower and slower. With all sub options used the guys had no choice but to stay on despite the knocks they were carrying (or the hangovers they were carrying). Thurrock took full advantage of this and powered over for a flurry of late tries to win the game.

A tough game for manor however they had a chance against what will be one of the strongest teams in the league this season. Manor 3s now have a break for next few weeks as they spend their time watching the world cup :)

Humorous moments this week included; Tom Mcgarr’s shortest debut in third team history, George Cosma’s huge smile when he was told he could play number 8 then an even bigger look of shock and excitement when he got moved to centre, Woody giving a refereeing masterclass.

Man of the match was decided by ref of the day, Woody who gave it to George Cosma for a good all round performance.