THURROCK’S T-Birds suffered their first Championship defeat since 2011, losing 17-15 at Cheltenham.

But the game was shrouded in controversy after the referee told the T-Birds the incorrect score-line in the closing stages which led to them opting against kicking a late penalty.

And that infuriated their director of rugby Dean White.

“It was a massive mistake from the referee,” said White.

“He said it was 19-15 when we had a kick in front of the posts in the last play.

“We obviously went for the try we thought we needed after hearing that and I’m fuming about it.

“He apologised after the game for getting it wrong but we would’ve won the game if he had got the score correct.”

Sally Tuson bagged two tries for the T-Birds in their rare defeat while India Harvey and Claire Phelps also touched down.