THORNBURY failed to capitalise on a good start as they lost their 18-month unbeaten home league record to Cornish side Penryn in a scrappy game. Gareth Llewellyn’s side drop two places to fifth in the table although they welcomed back Jak Evans from injury.

After three minutes Penryn infringed and Simon Weaver took a quick penalty. Jon Day and Evans attacked before Giles Bristol crashed over for the try. Tim Stephens was unable to convert. Thornbury went further ahead after a good Dan Hussey run play was moved quickly to the right and Jack Hussey put Jon Day through a gap for the try. The conversion failed but Thorns were 10-0 ahead.

A fine run by Adam May minutes later looked to add to the score but the Penryn cover was just good enough. However, Penryn began to take control and they got on the board after 25 minutes when No 8 James Mann picked up from a scrum five metres out and scored a try which was converted. Stephens extended Thornbury’s lead to 13-7 with a penalty after Dai Matthews and Dan Hussey combined well to take play deep into the Penryn 22. Thornbury’s tails were up but Penryn counter-attacked. When Thorns made a terrible hash of dealing with a high kick into the corner Mann dived on the loose ball for the try, the conversion on the stroke of half time putting the visitors 14-13 ahead.

Thorns struggled to get their hands on the ball after the restart.

Two Penryn penalties in the space of six minutes midway through the second half opened up a seven-point lead.

Thorns attacked ferociously for the final ten minutes but were unable to break through the Penryn defence and lost the game.

It was a disappointing match which at one point looked to be a comfortable win for Thornbury, however, Penryn adopted a simple game plan which they carried out well whilst the hosts were unable to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Thornbury scorers: tries - Giles Bristol, Jon Day; penalty - Tim Stephens.

l This Saturday, Thornbury are away at Clevedon, whilst the Second and Thirds are at home to Old Patesians and Avonmouth respectively, all games kicking off at 2.30pm.