Thornbury 12 Old Patesians 55

A THORNBURY side containing several new, young and unfamiliar faces went down fighting to an impressive and more clinical Old Patesians side, yet Thorns gained credit from the defeat.
For the first game of the season only Mike Gaston from last season’s regular backs was on duty. Old Pats, from the division above, fielded a strong team.
Scrum-half Bob Adams, prop Colm O’Loughlin and flanker Bertie Ridley-Thomas pulled on Thornbury jerseys for the first time, whilst Harry Calder and Jack Fare made their first-team debuts.
Alfie Richardson made his home debut at full-back.
Thornbury began well and the crisp passing of Adams gave the outside backs the chance to run, but Thorns conceded a turnover and the initiative was passed to Old Pats. After a period defending they conceded a turnover on halfway and good passing put the right wing in at the corner. An excellent conversion opened up a 7-0 lead.
An impressive counter-attack then led to a second converted Old Pats try.
Things went from bad to worse three minutes later when Thorns conceded a scrum against the head and some woeful defence allowed the Old Pats centre to score.
Joe Jackson produced a try-saving tackle, then Tom Head gave Thorns hope when he gathered a dropped ball and raced in for an opportunist try as the first of three periods ended with Thorns 19-5 down.
Both sides shuffled their teams for the second period and twice Thorns dismantled the Old Patesians scrum.  Thorns were getting more possession and Richardson became more involved.
Thorns were awarded a penalty close to the Old Pats line. Jackson took it quickly and touched down for the try, which he converted for 19-12. It was the least they deserved, playing with great spirit.  
Both sides made further changes for the final period. Within seconds Thornbury made a hash of a clearance and conceded a converted try.
Thornbury looked weary and disjointed as the visitors scored another try and a further four in the last ten minutes to give the scoreline a flattering edge.
The new players took the opportunity to show what they can do and delivered impressive performances.
Young players such as Richardson, Sam Jenkins and Calder showed promise, whilst the introduction of Chops O’Loughlin turned the scrum to Thornbury’s benefit.  Bob Adams played in three positions as Rob Higgitt moved players around.
With players returning from holiday Thorns can look ahead with confidence.