Essex U17s 19 – 50 Kent U17s
Sunday 18th May 2025 at Thurrock RFC
Kent U17s travelled to Thurrock RFC on Sunday and produced a commanding performance to overwhelm a determined Essex side, emerging 50-19 victors in their penultimate inter-county fixture.
The visitors wasted no time stamping their authority on the match. Sharp handling and relentless ball retention set the tone early, and just five minutes in, number 8 Connor Chambers exploited a defensive gap to crash over under the posts. Jake Ward converted to give Kent an early 7-0 lead.
Essex responded strongly, enjoying a prolonged spell of possession that tested Kent’s defensive resolve. George Nott led the defensive charge with several key tackles, supported by Niall Walker, Ben Rothwell, Harry Pratten, and Logan Sims, who worked tirelessly at the breakdown. Eventually, the home side broke through to level the scores at 7-7 after 15 minutes.
Despite a flurry of penalties—ranging from offside to scrum infringements—Kent maintained their attacking momentum. Captain Jared Van Zijl capitalised on a blind-side break from a scrum, linking neatly with Nott before dotting down beneath the posts. Moments later, Harry Pratten powered over for another try, giving Kent a deserved 19-7 advantage at the interval.
Buoyed by a focused halftime team talk, Kent returned to the pitch with renewed intensity. Arthur Wood and Orlando Moore both crossed in quick succession, stretching the lead and silencing any Essex hopes of a comeback. However, Kent’s persistent penalty issues offered Essex a foothold, and the hosts responded with a try of their own.
Unfazed, Kent surged forward once more. Wood completed his brace, and Dylan Phillips added his name to the scoresheet with a well-taken finish. Though Essex managed a late consolation try, the final word belonged to George Nott—capping a superb all-round display with a clinical try to seal the emphatic win.
The coaching staff praised the squad’s collective effort, highlighting a marked improvement in defensive organisation and breakdown efficiency. With one match remaining, Kent now set their sights on completing an unbeaten county campaign as they prepare to host Sussex next week at Dartford Valley (kick-off 4:30 PM).
