THORNBURY failed to build on a good first half performance and interval lead to go down to another loss, the third time since Christmas that they have been defeated.

Thorns made countless errors in the second half and got progressively more ragged and shapeless as Bridgwater capitalised to run in four tries.

Thorns’ injury crisis has developed into something quite extraordinary and with a complete backline absent, No.8 Jack Hussey was chosen at centre and two players who had not played first team rugby for several seasons answered emergency calls to play.

Bridgwater kicked off and opened the scoring with a second-minute try, but their lead lasted barely a minute. After Thornbury restarted, they were awarded a scrum on the Bridgwater ‘22’. Directly from that scrum, Rich Bennett bisected the home centres to score a fine individual try close to the posts. Harry Glew converted for a 7-5 lead.

Play surged from end to end as both sides attacked, giving the ball width and air. Bridgwater’s ball retention was excellent but Thornbury’s defence was well-organised and they forced several turnovers.

As the first quarter drew to an end, some quick, accurate passes brought Alfie Richardson into the line and he made good ground before feeding James Donohue who went over for his first first XV try. The conversion missed but Thornbury led 12-5.

Bridgwater hit back immediately as the left wing scored a second unconverted try. However, Thornbury’s lead was extended on the half hour when Sam Evans crashed over from a driving lineout. Again the conversion missed but at 17-10 Thornbury looked in control. Bridgwater kicked a late drop goal but Thorns led 17-13 at half time.

Thornbury started the second half with a period of impressive attacking with Dave Watchorn prominent. Richardson kicked behind the home defence and won the race to the ball but the referee adjudged the ball wasn’t grounded properly. A golden chance for the try bonus point and a two-score lead had gone.

Bridgwater began to increase the intensity and Thorns struggled to get their hands on the ball. The tendency to kick the ball away re-appeared as scarce possession was handed back to Bridgwater. The inevitable score came when Thornbury’s line-out failed and Bridgwater moved the ball across the line for a try in the corner. Then with five minutes remaining, the Bridgwater forwards tied up the Thornbury defence for a fourth try out wide. The conversion put Bridgwater two scores ahead.

A penalty in last play gave Thorns a chance of securing a losing bonus point if kicked, or two points if a try could be scored. Thorns went for the try but a knock-on heralded the final whistle.

This was always going to be a difficult game and Thornbury should have scored more points when they were on top early on.

The lack of familiarity and cohesiveness as a result of the injury crisis was critical as the more settled Bridgwater and Albion unit dominated play.