Dagenham 24 - 41 Thurrock

This week, Dagenham hosted Thurrock in what promised to be a physical battle as the visitors sought revenge for their defeat earlier in the season. After period of exchanging possession, the visitors were the first to strike with their winger running in a try after good counter-attacking play. The D's soon struck back with a try of their own; a good grubber kick through from Jordan Calverley put pressure on the Thurrock full-back, with a chasing Will Knowlden rewarded when he managed to charge down the attempted clearing kick and dot down for the score. Dagenham soon extended their lead further, a good set move in the backline saw Earl Gorman crashing through to score under the posts. The hosts continue to apply pressure to Thurrock, putting together good phases in both attack and defence. Unfortunately, a series of penalties gave away easy field position and Thurrock capitalised to score two tries from close range, to leave the half-time score 12-19.

Early into the second half, Thurrock were awarded a kickable penalty which they converted to extend the lead to 10 points. Dagenham soon reduced the arrears, a great line break down the left wing by Liam Power before the ball was spread all the way to the opposite wing for Dylan Peña to dive over for the try. Unfortunately this wasn't to last long, Thurrock striking back immediately after being given easy field position, for their back row to crash over from short range. Despite so good play from the D's it was Thurrock who would push further ahead with another converted try following some good handling to find the space. Dagenham soon had an opportunity of their own, a series of scrums in opposition territory until the ball was shifted to the wing where Dylan Peña was again able to beat the defence to score his second try of the game, also securing a vital four-try bonus point in the league table. Earl Gorman went within inches of scoring another try but was denied by an excellent last-ditch cover tackle from Thurrock. Unfortunately the clock was against the hosts and the final say went to a Thurrock, beating a tired defence to score in the corner and leave the final score at 24-41. Despite an ultimately disappointing result, Dagenham will be pleased with an improved performance on recent weeks as they prepare for the rearranged fixture against Harlow at Central Park this Saturday.