THONBURY ladies were defeated by a very strong Aretians team in their first ever competitive match last Wednesday.

Despite the defeat, Thornbury showed there is huge potential in the side with a committed performance full of promise.

Now known as the Thornbees, they gave as good as they got responding well to an early converted try from Aretians.

Thornbury played with good pace and after pressurising the Aretians line for nearly five minutes, Sadie Giles broke through several tackles to score a fine individual score and thus became the first points scorer for the fledgling side.

However, Aretians gathered themselves well and it was only a well-timed tackle from Thornbees skipper Gemma Tyrrell that prevented a certain try.

The home side were not to be denied and did cross for a second try after more persistent pressure to give Aretians a 12-5 lead at half time.

After the interval Aretians came out firing, immediately scoring another converted try to put them 19-5 ahead.

Although the Thornbees had a significant deficit to address they refused to give up and were the stronger side in the final quarter.

It was only powerful defence from the hosts that kept them out as they drove for the line in the last few minutes.

The game was an excellent contest between two relatively well-matched teams but with Aretians deserving of their win.

Both sides will undoubtedly improve and with Aretians in their second season and Thornbury in their first, both teams appear to have strong futures.

Playing in her first game of rugby Bobbie Jackson was singled out as the player of the match for the Thornbees and will look to continue a rich family history at Thornbury Rugby Club.

Much credit for the Thornbees outstanding first performance must go to the coaching team of Quent Jackson, Gary Kingston, Ian Maunder and Jonny Wilson.

With only two of the team having ever played rugby before to put in such an impressive performance is credit to the coaching staff and Thornbury Rugby Club.

Team: Rachael Underwood; Gail Daniel, Jade Bingham, Lou Oakey, Sharon Kingsland-Wain; Gemma Tyrrell (c), Bobbie Jackson; Catherine Preston, Elaine Romaeo, Kim Fox, Jo Johnson, Laura Panting, Dani Telka, Sadie Giles, Lindsay Broughton. Replacements: Tina Pincott, Claire Kingston, Cath Fishlock.