Weston-super-Mare 16 Thornbury 29
 

THORNBURY recovered from a 16-0 deficit to score five unanswered tries in the last half-hour of a pulsating game for a fine win at third-placed Weston.

Focussed defence kept out early Weston attacks then constant movement of the ball tired the Somerset side and injury-ravaged Thorns ran in the scores late on for a remarkable win.

Floodlights were already on as the game kicked off with Thornbury playing into a gale. Weston enjoyed the early stages and went ahead with a drop goal. They applied enormous pressure on the Thornbury defence but the organisation and commitment was excellent. After twelve minutes of solid defending Thorns kicked clear but Weston ran it back and a forward scored in the corner despite a great tackle from Rob Higgitt. The conversion missed but Weston were 8-0 ahead.

Whenever Thorns got the ball they ran it. On three occasions they turned Weston over close to their line and Alfie Richardson led charges up-field but the moves were snuffed out by the Weston defence.

Close to the half-hour mark Wayne Underwood and Dai Matthews opened up the Weston defence and new centre Will Sharratt was brought down a few metres short. Thorns pressed and were close to scoring from a rolling maul but Weston cleared and kicked a late penalty for an 11-0 half-time lead.

Weston began the second half the better and after six minutes extended their lead with their second try. Leading 16-0 Weston looked in control.

However, they hadn’t counted on Thornbury’s strength of character, determination and organisation. Thornbury began to play at a higher tempo with great movement of the ball and the momentum swung towards Thornbury.

Thornbury scored their firsts points on 55 minutes. Weston were turned over in midfield and Matthews burst through on a fine run. After he was hauled down in the ‘22’ the ball was moved quickly to the right and Richardson raced in for a try in the corner.

Weston restarted and Thorns ran the ball back. After several phases in midfield Matthews, Sharratt and Sam Jenkins linked before Sharratt followed up and dived over for an excellent try. Bob Adams converted magnificently from the touchline. At 16-12 Thorns were back in the game.

As the game went into the final quarter Thorns scored again. The midfield defence turned over the ball and Sharratt broke clear but offloaded to Adams who dived over for a great try. The conversion missed but Thorns led 17-16.

Five minutes later Underwood and Matthews charged down the left, Higgitt ran up the middle and good passing put Jenkins in for his first try for the First XV. Thorns led 22-16.

However, Weston were still only a converted try from the lead and brought on former England prop Darren Crompton. But Thorns repelled their one-dimensional attacks and put the match out of Weston’s reach when Underwood put Richardson in for his second try. Adams converted and Thorns had won in style. They had secured maximum points from the game, inflicted on Weston their biggest defeat of the season and moved above them in the table.

Every player played with great determination and passion. They tackled ferociously and ran the ball whenever possible in the most memorable of games.

Thornbury have another tough game this weekend at home to league leaders Camborne. Kick-off is 2.15pm.