South West One West

Ivybridge 31 Thornbury 34

A WONDERFUL second half saw Thornbury overturn a substantial half-time deficit to defeat unbeaten league leaders Ivybridge in their own back yard.

In a magnificent team effort, Thornbury earned their first maximum points haul of the season and triumphed out of adversity as an already weakened team had to deal with last minute withdrawals and illness.

Under a heavy cloud, Thornbury began well and shaded the early exchanges although whenever Ivybridge had the ball they looked dangerous and a fine tackle by Ed Sheldon saved a certain try.

However, the Devonians went ahead with an unconverted try on 17 minutes.

From the restart Matt Belbin kicked a penalty for Thornbury but Ivybridge scored again minutes later, although the referee missed a knock-on.

Ivybridge led 12-3 but Thorns hit back straight away. Craig Beyer spotted a gap in the fringe defence and dived through for an unconverted try following a Thornbury driving lineout. Thorns were back within a score at 12-8.

The Thornbury pack was now on top but Ivybridge scored converted tries either side of a second Belbin penalty to lead 26-11 at half-time.

Despite the scoreline Thornbury were playing at a consistent pace and intensity that Ivybridge seemed to struggle to deal with.

Ed Sheldon scorched over for a try but was called back for a foot in touch and after a third Belbin penalty Thorns scored a fine team try.

Wayne Underwood broke down the right at pace, drew his man and fed Sheldon. He did the same and passed to Rich Bennett, who had too much pace and dived over in the corner.

Then following a scrum in the Thornbury 22 Sheldon ran into space, cut inside the defence and outstripped the cover for a remarkable try scored between the posts. Belbin converted and it was all square at 26-26.

In the final quarter Thornbury continued to attack. Rob Higgitt kicked behind the Ivybridge defence and Sheldon won the race to the ball for Thornbury’s fourth try to secure the bonus point and a 31-26 lead.

Belbin kicked his fourth penalty and, although Ivybridge scored a late consolation try, Thorns held out for a deserved victory.

Thornbury played with heart, determination and commitment of the highest order.

Each player played supremely. Thornbury’s front five was outstanding; the scrum took several against the head.

In the backs simple rugby was played well with good passing a feature and determined running.

Beyer and Bennett made their returns to the side memorable experiences and the organisation brought by Higgitt’s inclusion was significant.

The challenge for Thornbury now is to take this momentum into the next game with Matson (2.30pm), in which the opposition will provide different challenges to the side.

Thornbury scorers: Tries - Craig Beyer, Rich Bennett, Ed Sheldon (2); Conversion – Matt Belbin; Penalties – Matt Belbin (4).