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Dings Crusaders 38 Thornbury 7

AN understrength Thornbury selection took on a Dings Crusaders' side from the league above which featured three former Bristol players in the pack and only conceded a rash of scores after replacements were introduced. The match was played under lights at the start of the final season Dings will play at their Lockleaze ground.

The early stages were even with both sides looking to move the ball at every opportunity.

Alfie Richardson made a searing break but his support was too far away to capitalise on a glorious chance, then Thornbury knocked-on close to the Dings line and a second try was missed.

Thus it was Dings who scored first when the right wing scorched in for an unconverted try. The game was played in three thirty-minute periods and the first of these ended with Dings leading 5-0.

Thornbury went ahead shortly after the resumption of play. Sam Evans charged through the Dings defence and after the ball was firstly moved to the left it was switched to the right to Mike Beswick who chipped over the Dings defence and won the race to the ball to score.

Joe Jackson added the extras for a 7-0 lead. Thornbury then began to introduce their replacements.

Ten minutes later Dings went ahead rather fortuitously after the referee missed a knock-on and the other wing was put clear for a converted. Shortly afterwards a third try stretched Dings’ lead to 19-7.

Close to the end of the second period the home forwards drove over for another converted try and Dings led 26-7 at the break.

Thorns’ defence was considerably better than against Old Centralians but they now struggled to secure any usable possession. Dings scored a further converted try midway through the final period and a sixth in last play for 38-7.

It was a gutsy performance from Thorns and all players put themselves about and will gain from the early-season experiences of being tackled and making tackles. A couple of minor injuries were incurred but all the players will feel better for the game.

The handling was better with good continuity at times. Sam Evans had a fine game in the loose and Jack Hussey was influential in the back row whilst Mike Beswick again looks a good acquisition at centre.

Alfie Richardson enjoyed two fine runs from fullback before he went off and the tackling was generally sound, with Ben Read twice pulling off try-saving tackles out wide.

The lineout didn’t work well and will need attention whilst the biggest difference between the sides was the physicality at the breakdown where Dings were more aggressive.

So plenty for the coaches to focus on but they and the players will go into the first league game against Kingsbridge on Saturday (kick off 3:00) with confidence.

Thornbury scorers: try – Mike Beswick; conversion – Joe Jackson.