THE students of Bristol University were given a thorough examination by a competitive Thornbury side on Saturday.

The pitch was in remarkable condition considering the recent heavy frosts and play moved from end to end in one of the few outdoor matches in the area to beat the weather.

The students scored three early goals but were denied by some excellent defending with the experienced Angela Greenslade and Jean Lister outwitting the young attackers.

Hannah Kemp made a number of good saves in the home goal and Alex Arnold and Lauren Upham contributed some sound touches.

Captain Rachael Underwood was effective with some pleasing ball distribution and Clair Johnson, along with Amy Bowman, Mikki Staton and Ellie Hunter, were always looking for ways past the visiting defence.

Thornbury reduced the lead shortly before half-time when Lorna Thornton hammered home following some pleasing passing with Alice Stephens, Ella Wheathey and Katie Bovil.

The students scored three further second half goals to seal victory, though they were stretched on more than one occasion by the home side.

Thornbury visit Clifton fifths on Saturday.

Thornbury firsts’ game was called off when a visiting Lodway player unusually arrived to inspect the pitch on which the thirds game had just been completed.

Although the decision was made early it later proved to be the correct one when snow brought an early finish to Wotton men’s game on the same pitch, which followed the earlier ladies game.

Snow obliterated the lines and also stuck to the ball, making the umpires decision to halt the game an easy one.

Thornbury visit North Somerset on Saturday, hoping to build on the victory over Old Bristolians.

* Thornbury seconds early morning game at Old Bristolians also fell victim to the frost. BAC 2nds are their next opponents on Saturday at Castle School, 3.30pm.