Sat 22 Nov 2025
Maldon welcomed Thurrock to Drapers Farm, the first league fixture between the two teams for many years. Thurrock are undefeated this season & would be a formidable challenge.
Thurrock started well, using their big-kicking winger to gain lots of territory & were camped in Maldon’s half. Maldon defended well, managing to turn the ball over, but struggled to clear their lines. A dropped ball resulted in a scrum for Thurrock, from which they crossed for the first score of the afternoon, 0-5.
Maldon kicked off & chased well, pinning Thurrock in their half. Thurrock tackled very strongly, but, eventually, gave away a penalty, which was kicked by Joshua Chadwick, 3-5.
The next 10 minutes included some poor discipline by Maldon, high tackles & not rolling away, & Thurrock used their kicker to hit 2 long range penalties between the posts, 3-11. More trouble for Maldon came about when George Perkins received a yellow card for a high tackle. This allowed Thurrock an advantage which they took, scoring another try, 3-16.
The Thurrock pack, which included some big ball carriers, were constantly battering into Maldon, who tackled much better than in recent games. In defence Thurrock maintained their structure & gave Maldon very little room to break through. Their one blemish was a yellow card for a high tackle. However, at half-time the scoreline gave Maldon hope and they were still in the game.
The second half started well for Maldon as they ran the ball aggressively, getting over the gainline at times, but never being able to capitalise on any chance. Thurrock, however, were clinical & managed to score 2 converted tries within a short space of time, 3-30.
Maldon tackled very well all game, these two tries were the result of very small errors that a clinical Thurrock side capitalised on.
Maldon did manage to move down the pitch, putting pressure on the Thurrock line, maintaining possession. From a line-out, the ball bobbled & Chris Mooney reacted quickest & crossed the line for a try, converted by Chadwick, 10-30. Maldon kept on trying to break down the Thurrock defence, which was very determined. One great opportunity occurred following across-kick from Alfie Summers, well taken by Sam Johnson, but the giraffe like frame of Chadwick couldn't gather the ball as it was passed to him & this was Maldon’s last chance to score. Thurrock came back strongly, kicking another penalty, 10-33, which was followed quickly by another try, for a final score of 10-38.
Maldon were beaten by a very good team, who were playing in a higher league last season, so can take some positives from the game, which leaves them 5th in the league.
Man of the match - George Perkins for another big performance in attack & defence.
Next league fixture is at home against Romford on 29.11
