Thornbury 25 Old Centralians 40

THORNBURY got their 2016/17 season underway with a tough run-out against leading Gloucester club Old Centralians.

Thorns began well but a comfortable lead was overturned in the second half.

With many leading players away on holiday, Thornbury made the most of the opportunity to give several second team players, former Development Squad players and some new players the chance to get pre-season stiffness out of their limbs.

Youngsters Connor Thurgood and Ben Holley took part as did Mike Beswick and Tom Adams who had recently joined from Chippenham.

Also Tim Stephens, James Murray and Kevin Rudrum were welcomed back after missing the previous season through injury. Thornbury began well and went ahead after two minutes when Beswick made a lovely break and kicked ahead for Ben Read to touch down for the first try of the season.

Goal kicks were not taken but Thorns doubled their lead six minutes later when Luke Workman supported a charge up-field involving forwards and backs to score.

Mike Gaston intercepted an Old Cents attack a few minutes later and put Alfie Richardson in for a third try. Then with only 15 minutes gone, Workman crashed over for his second try after the forwards had driven from a lineout in the Old Cents 22. With Thorns leading 20-0 at the end of the first quarter, both sides began to make wholesale changes.

Old Cents scored two quick tries shortly before half time but Thornbury led 20-10 at the interval.

The visitors controlled much of the second half. They scored twice in the third quarter to equalise the score then with their strongest side on the field went ahead early in the final quarter. Richardson scored a long-distance try for Thornbury which equalised the score with ten minutes remaining.

But the stronger Old Cents side ran in three late tries to ease ahead and take the win.

Both sides will take much from the game. There were many positives.

This was a great opportunity for Thornbury players to stretch their legs and shake off the rustiness of close season. Although there were too many missed tackles and Old Centralians were more physical at the breakdown these give valuable aspects for Thorns’ coaches and players to work on. Thorns’ handling was more accurate than their opponents and there was good pace from forwards and backs.

There were eye-catching performances by several players and the potential of the side generally looks good.

Thornbury have a game at St Mary’s Old Boys on today (7.15pm kick off) and conclude their pre-season matches at Dings Crusaders next Thursday.

Thornbury try scorers: Ben Read, Luke Workman (2), Alfie Richardson (2) Thornbury team: Alfie Richardson; Ben Read, Mike Beswick, Mike Gaston, Jack Civil-Williams; Wayne Underwood, Joe Jackson; Luke Workman, Jack Summerfield, George Sheldon, George Maggs, James Murray, Liam Pemberton, Tom Adams, Jack Hussey.

Replacements: Tim Stephens, Ben Holley, Kevin Rudrum, Mark Sutherland, Jak Evans, Tom Head, Robin Harrison, George Jackson, Connor Thurgood, Derek Farman.