Sat 17 Sep 2022
Brightlingsea got their season off to a flying start with this comprehensive win over Thurston in a highly entertaining game, greatly enhanced by the Thurston travelling support. The match began at a frantic pace with both sides getting themselves into promising positions only to lose the ball due to ring rust and indiscipline at the breakdown. The victory looked likely to go to the team that could settle into a rhythm and exert some control, and this was the home side. Scrum Half Sam Day had put them ahead with a breakaway solo try but Thurston, benefitting from a strong first half wind behind them made their way down the field for an equalizing score. Sam Day restored the lead following up a break by fullback Glen McAllister and Fraser Palmer added two more tries to secure the bonus point and give Brightlingsea a comfortable lead at half time. A spirited Thurston side came back at them strongly in the second period but by now the Brightlingsea half backs Sam Day and Ed Gibbons were directing the traffic and the gusty wind continued to cause problems for both defences. Centre Rhys Brough extended the home side's lead and when Sam Day completed his hat-trick the issue seemed done and dusted. Thurston however were not going to give up and hit back with two more tries with Fraser Palmer's hat-trick try sandwiched in between. As Thurston went all out for a losing bonus point they inevitably left themselve vulnerable to Brightlingsea's pacy backline. Fraser Palmer scored two more tries to finish the game with 5, and winger James Blanchette added another following a Rhys Brough break. Late in the game Thurston got their bonus point through a close range catch and drive lineout. Brightingsea will be annoyed with themselves for conceding it but it was no more than the visitors deserved.
