The warriors travelled to Thurrock with both sides having had a very successful first half of the season and knowing that historically Thurrock have produced a good, strong side.
Burnham started slowly, allowing Thurrock to gain momentum and unleash their pacey backline to good effect. Far too often Burnham would make positive inroads only to make the wrong decision or take passive contact which enabled Thurrock to steal ball or dominate the tackle area and any turn over ball was punished by speed and attacking the space out wide.
Burnham's scrums and rucking were competitive, allowing good clean ball to be produced but the backline wasn't firing as they normally do and at times were ambling into contact rather than running at pace and intent. Regan broke the mould on occasions and caused the Thurrock defence a few problems but the warriors were slow to react and secure the ball which was either cleared or countered by Thurrock putting the warriors back under pressure, some great cover tackles by Bear & Sebastian helped keep them at bay at times but the two first quarters of the game where well in favour of the hosts.

To their absolute credit Burnham rallied for the next two quarters and started to take note of the coaches request to keep hold of the ball as too often we were dormant at the contact area allowing the ball to be ripped or knocked on giving possession back to Thurrock. With this in mind we started to see the warriors come alive with some big ball carries by Thomas, Alfie & Cass causing problems for the defence and with Harrison & Toby looking to play at a faster pace we soon began to get some scores on the board which were well deserved.
Burnham had a new lease of life and spent a lot of time in the Thurrock half and kept the pressure on their line, some solid Thurrock defence and a few spilt balls enabled the defence to clear their lines or mount counter attacks.
Harry and Shane had some solid runs and were looking dangerous but the defence was well drilled and snuffled out any attacks out wide.
A much better second half of the game and the group would have learnt a lot of lessons on ball retention and attacking with intent and pace, something that was highly lacking for the majority of todays match.
The squad were very upbeat afterwards and thoroughly enjoyed todays challenge which was great the hear.
Our thanks to Thurrock for hosting in a game that was played in great spirit with both sides showing fantastic TREDS

Tries scored today by Thomas, Alfie & Harrison.

Alfie & Toby both had excellent games but this weeks player of the match was awarded to Harrison, great leadership throughout and played with grit and determination.

Lots to work on this week as we prepare for a local derby at home to Maldon.
See you pitch side