Tribute South West One West

Thornbury 19 Newent 6

THORNBURY and Newent slogged it out in an old-fashioned game played in appalling conditions. With rain driving into the faces of the players from a savage, icy cross-wind a wonderful forward-orientated game ensued with both sides giving one hundred per cent in an absorbing match.

Thorns’ pack secured the win with three first half tries. Thornbury went ahead after three minutes. Awarded a lineout ten metres from the Newent line the forwards secured possession and drove towards the line. Newent couldn’t hold up the rolling maul and Jack Hussey touched down for the try. Bob Adams converted well into the gale for a 7-0 lead.

Newent kicked two penalties to reduce Thorns’ lead to 7-6. Thorns returned to the attack and the forwards drove twenty metres from a lineout, but when Newent illegally stopped the maul Thorns opted for another lineout. This time they had five metres to go but when Newent pulled down the maul the referee awarded a penalty try. Adams converted and Thorns were 14-6 ahead.

As halftime approached another rolling maul from a lineout saw Hussey crash over for his second try. Adams’ conversion hit the post and the referee blew for halftime with Thorns leading 19-6.

Newent started the second half the better but a fine kick from Wayne Underwood took Thorns back into the visitors’ half. Both sides defended heroically and play primarily took place between the twenty-two’s. With ten minutes to go a kick behind the Newent defence was chased and pressure put on the visitors’ line.

Thorns were awarded a scrum five metres out and the powerful pack drove towards the line and the bonus point try. It paused, then moved on but the referee blew for a reset scrum as it went over the line. The second half remained scoreless but the game continued as an intensely absorbing contest. Eventually time ran out and to the eternal gratitude of the tired forwards, frozen backs and thrilled but chilled supporters the referee blew for the end of the match with Thornbury 19-6 ahead.

It had been a great game. One for the purists, perhaps, but a thrilling illustration that you don’t need sweeping movements and countless tries for a memorable match. Both sides gave everything and the players deserve great credit for their high levels of skill and enormous commitment.

Thornbury deserved their win, had the better drilled tight forwards and scored the tries, yet Newent never gave up.

Thornbury’s scrum was on top and the lineout functioned well. The front row was frequently seen carrying the ball into contact and the back row continues to develop into a fine unit. Bob Adams and Wayne Underwood kicked well but the forwards won the game. Acting hooker Luke Workman was awarded Man of the Match by sponsors the Fox Inn at Old Down.

It doesn’t get easier for Thornbury. On Saturday they are away at Wells who notched up a notable win at Weston.

Thornbury scorers: tries – Jack Hussey (2), penalty try; conversions – Bob Adams (2)