Ex-Billericay player Phil Parmenter could not prevent new side Thames slipping to a 25-7 friendly defeat at his former club.

Bees were on the front foot early on and were soon six points up via the boot of fly-half Neil Jarvis.

The first try came from a strong drive from the pack which gave ball to the backs and finished with Paul Hull going over. Jarvis converted.

Parmenter's chip over the defence gave Thames their best chance but Jarvis ended his run in crunching style.

He then added another conversion after putting John Hughes to run in from halfway.

Thames' powerful mauling led to a converted try after the break and then a forward tussle ensued, with Grant Norfolk and Sean Norris were at their best -- tackling everything thrown at them.

Billericay saved the best for last, scoring the final try from a line-out on the opposing 22 when their pack ran into some fearsome tackles but rucked cleanly until Ryan O'Paul drove over the complete the scoring.

Published Tuesday December 16, 2003

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