Saffron Walden U17 26 Thurrock U17 22 Regular skipper Mark Kimberley away on Eastern counties duty, left David Butcher captaining the side for the 1st time, his assured performance at inside centre gave the U17s a magic start, massive pressure from the kick off resulted in a cheeky try from Scrum half Oli Haskins, converted by Richard Gough. The Walden forwards dominated, keeping possession of the ball and driving forward with impressive control. Nik Baker Emeil Pronk & Morgan Opie's pick and go tactics gaining valuable yards. Thurrocks defence competed well and their backs always looked dangerous on the break. Against the run of play Thurrock scored an unconverted try and almost immediately Captain Butcher dribbled a loose ball over the line to draw ahead. Walden then lost their way, a change in tactics saw Thurrock kicking the ball and pressurising the full back and back line, which did eventually resulted in two tries. Walden now demoralised, looked beaten but a change of players seemed to steady the ship. Sam Borrate, Jake Hill and Anil Noonan's fresh legs seemed to inspire the pack although thwarted at the line a few times, eventually Morgan Opie used his weight to score a great forwards try. An identical score in the last minutes from Anil Noonan sealed a great win for the Saffron Walden U17's. The coaches Man of the match award this week was shared between Oli Haskins & Captain Butcher. Next week the U17 play Ely at Henham in another friendly before they travel to Rochford on the 16th Nov for an all important League game. TRY-Opie.