The Stags, who had themselves been sucked uncomfortably towards the National 3 relegation vortex in recent weeks without ever playing that badly, won this critical game against now seemingly doomed Thurrock in some style, considering the conditions.

It was another day at Duke’s Meadows when the prevailing south-westerly blew fiercely but fortunately it did not carry the much predicted rain with it. As it was, the main pitch was as wet and soft as many who will have played on it will ever have seen it : with at least two patches of standing water evident and the whole corner nearest to the changing rooms very boggy.

The Stags played against the wind in the first half and when they turned round 10-7 up it had to be unlikely in the extreme that there could be any way back for Thurrock. This was another 20 point gale and the job was almost done surely? So, in the event, it proved.

The Stags had played a sensibly limited tactical game against their well-nourished opponents with much emphasis on the pick and go. Thurrock, whose set scrum gave CS some uncomfortable moments early on, never really got to grips with how to use the wind when they had possession, one kick notably going dead having travelled virtually the whole length of the field.

The Stags knew the value of possession and fought for every bit of it, scrum half Tom McArthur throwing himself bravely at the Thurrock forwards’ feet. A try for Claude Springer - who had another storming game, carrying frequently - late in the first half was a real bonus in such conditions.

Another plus had been the line-out, often so unreliable on even the balmiest of days, with the returning Joe Clarke the go-to target for hooker, Pat O’Halloran and able to out-wit bigger and certainly heavier opponents.

The scoreboard kept ticking over merrily in the second half with further tries for winger Jon Webber, replacement flanker Ed Price, number nine Tom McArthur, winger James Houstoun and the aforementioned Pat O’Halloran with fly-half Mike Ward, who had orchestrated play calmly and sensibly, ending up with 19 points from his boot. Another returnee, Ben Lloyd had also looked lively at full-back.

The memories of a somewhat desperate draw in the away fixture against these opponents back in October were now just dim ones and a win by the Stags against Basingstoke away next week would probably be enough to leave that team and Barnes fighting it out to see which of them can avoid the third relegation spot. Thurrock it seems are now destined for the drop along with Barking. Basingstoke will certainly not be lacking for motivation.

CS Rugby 1863 scorers:

Tries:

Springer
Webber
Price
McArthur
Houstoun
O'Halloran

Cons:

Ward (5)

Pens:

Ward (3)