South West One West

Camborne 34 Thornbury 6

THORNBURY were well-beaten by promotion-seeking Camborne, who were determined to secure maximum points at the misty Recreation Ground.

Although Thorns made life difficult for their Cornish hosts, the added intensity of playing a game with something tangible on it was missing at times.

Nevertheless a largely youthful Thornbury squad did not disgrace themselves and with a little luck would have scored more points.

Camborne illuminated the afternoon with some fine early attacking. Thorns defended well but after six minutes Camborne scored out wide and the conversion opened a 7-0 lead.

Thorns hit back from the restart when Camborne made a hash of clearing their lines and were penalised for offside.

Joe Jackson slotted over the penalty to open Thornbury’s account.

Thorns threatened to score again when Jackson and Jack Hussey combined to charge through the defence but they were penalised at the breakdown.

Wayne Underwood bravely fell on the ball close to his line but a kick behind the Thornbury defence resulted in Camborne's second try.

Nine minutes later the third try was scored when the Thornbury defence allowed the left wing to weave through and extend the lead to 17-3.

Thornbury attacked from the restart and enjoyed their best period of the match, attacking for ten minutes in the Camborne 22. The home defence was tenacious and pressurised Thorns into errors and although Liam Rinn attempted a drop goal which went wide all Thorns were able to come away with was a second Jackson penalty. Camborne led 17-6 at half-time.

Camborne eased further ahead with the bonus point try six minutes after the restart following a rolling maul that rumbled 15 metres.

When Thorns were penalised at a scrum a quick penalty enabled Camborne to score again out wide.

Another score inevitably came and Camborne thoroughly deserved their win.

There were many positives to come out of the game for Thornbury, with Luke Panting’s first start one he should be proud of.

Thornbury scorers: Penalties – Joe Jackson (2).

On Saturday Thornbury are home to Cullompton, 3pm.

The match is likely to be the last first team home game of Jon Day, a stalwart of the club for over 25 seasons and captain between 1999 and 2002.

The match is sponsored by Thornbury Vandals in the annual game in which the former players support the current firsts.

Thornbury seconds are away to Clifton.

Last Sunday, Thornbury's development squad reached their second final of the season with an impressive 38-12 win against St Brendan’s Old Boys in the Gloucester Cup.

Thornbury play Cleve for the inaugural GRFU Development League title at Clifton on Sunday (3pm). Entrance is free.