South West One West

Thornbury 14 Clevedon 10

SECOND half tries from Tom Guzman and Dan Hussey, together with the boot of Matt Belbin, secured Thornbury’s first league win of the season.

Thornbury didn’t play as well as they had in recent games but were able to repel waves of attacks from Clevedon in a largely forgettable error-strewn match.

However, the game was marred by a serious injury to Jack Hussey, who was taken to hospital with a broken leg.

Thornbury kicked off downhill but were immediately lacking the intensity they had shown in recent games.

Instead Clevedon looked the superior side and monopolised good possession with the Thornbury backs living off scraps.

Some of Thorns’ first-up tackling was ineffective and only errors denied Clevedon early scores.

However, after 26 minutes the home defence cracked and Clevedon centre Mike Taylor avoided some weak tackles to score the first try, which he converted for a 7-0 lead.

Thorns took a Clevedon scrum against the head and Liam Pemberton took a quick penalty to feed Ed Sheldon, who was caught ten metres out. Dai Matthews drove on but was held up short and Clevedon cleared.

Sheldon saved a certain try on the stroke of half-time and Clevedon led 7-0 at the break.

The second half began with Thornbury looking more determined and after six minutes the scores were level.

A diagonal kick behind the Clevedon defence was chased by Dan Hussey and he bundled the Clevedon wing into touch. Hussey then ripped the ball from the defender and took a quick lineout to Tom Guzman charging up in support, and he drove through three defenders for a try. Matt Belbin converted with a fine kick.

Clevedon returned to the lead with a penalty from Taylor.

With ten minutes to go Clevedon kicked deep into the Thornbury 22 and Sheldon raced through the visiting defence and passed to Dan Hussey, who kicked ahead and won the race to the ball out wide for a try. Belbin added the conversion and Thornbury were ahead for the first time at 14-10.

Shortly afterwards Jack Hussey went down following a tackle and was taken off with what was later diagnosed as a broken fibula.

Thorns closed out the remainder of the game and held on for a win which was somewhat fortunate, yet given the lack of good luck they have had this season it was very welcome.

However, Thornbury never got going, made many errors and the poor handling of both sides led to a scrappy match which remained exciting due to the closeness of the score.

Nevertheless Thornbury did outscore Clevedon on tries and looked the more dangerous from broken play. With fewer errors in attack, the winning margin could have been greater.

Thornbury are at Cullompton on Saturday (3pm), knowing a significant improvement is required if they are to achieve their first victory at Stafford Park.

Thornbury scorers: Tries - Tom Guzman and Dan Hussey; Conversions - Matt Belbin (2).

* Thornbury seconds lost to a very strong Clifton second side 68-7, and the thirds lost 23-5 to Wotton.

This Saturday, Thornbury seconds are home to Lydney seconds, whilst the thirds travel to Lockleaze to play Ashley Down seconds.