CHELMSFORD lost their London One North derby 36-20 as Thurrock got a deserved victory in an entertaining game.

The Chelmsford hosts were missing some key players in the pack and that proved crucial as Thurrock were stronger there.

Thurrock’s speedy backs helped them take an early 12-0 lead through two tries and a conversion.

The wake-up call resulted in fly half Simon Hoult scoring a 25-metre penalty to make it 12-3 before centre Jamie Morrish scored a well-taken try, converted by Simon Hoult, to make it 12-10.

Thurrock scored a converted try after Chelmsford lost possession at a scrum and then caught their hosts napping for a converted try that made it 26-10.

Will Ferrier went over to reduce the arrears at 26-15 at half time, although injuries meant Chelmsford had to reshape.

Thurrock used the slope to their advantage in the second half and scored a penalty to make it 29-15, with Hoult yellow-carded for a deliberate knock on.

The visitors then scored their fifth try following a lucky bounce from a high kick to make it 36-15.

But Chelmsford had the last say with an unconverted try from Jamie Morrish.

“The honest assessment was that Thurrock were the better team, however, we showed them too much respect early on,” said Chelmsford coach Eddie Gooby.

“Being 12 nil down after only eight minutes against a very good team who will be challenging this season is always a hard ask.

“So taking the first 10 minutes away we were competitive and we did cause them problems with the ball in hand, we also defended well and competed at the break down.”

Chelmsford travel to CS Rugby 1863 on Saturday.