Rugby: Thornbury hit danger zone (From Gazette Series)

Rugby: Thornbury hit danger zone

4:36pm Wednesday 10th December 2008 in Sport

Western Counties North - Berry Hill 15 Thornbury 5

THORNBURY played the rugby but Berry Hill scored the points. Thus has been the story of Thorns’ season so far and another league defeat sees the first XV dangerously close to the foot of the table.

It was a confident Thornbury who travelled into the Forest of Dean and started the game well, with Nick Balman ruling the lineout. They attacked deep in Berry Hill territory with John Bennett close to scoring but the team failed register points. Instead, with their first scoring opportunity Berry Hill took the lead through a penalty.

From the restart, Thornbury struck. John Howells fielded a kick out of defence and the ball was moved swiftly through the backs. Steve Allington came off his wing and joined the line for Wayne Underwood to touch down in the corner for an unconverted try. However, Thornbury‚s lead was short-lived. Berry Hill drove over for a converted try from a scrum on the Thornbury line which saw the home side lead 10-5 at half time.

Thorns began the second period well but were unable to turn possession, territory or half-chances into points. John Howells was tackled inches from the Berry Hill line after the ball was moved swiftly through the backs. Eventually, the period of sustained pressure ended and Berry Hill escaped defensive duties and launched attacks on the Thornbury line.

The Berry Hill pack drove over for a try identical to their first to open up a ten point lead. With minutes remaining, Thornbury launched everything into attack once more. Forwards and backs tried to break through the Berry Hill defence, but when Dave Matthews was bundled into touch on the corner flag on the stroke of full time the match was lost.

The vanquished Thornbury team looked a sad, disconsolate sight as they trudged off the field. Thornbury scorer:- Try - Wayne Underwood Thornbury firsts have a weekend off to lick their wounds whilst the seconds have a friendly at home to Dursley, (2.30pm). The Third XV have a merit table match at Ashley Down II.