THORNBURY crashed to defeat at wet and windy Drybrook, severely denting their promotion ambitions.

Thorns’ run of seven successive league wins came to an abrupt end at the hands of a fired-up Drybrook side which played the conditions far better than Thornbury and with more control and determination.

Thorns kicked off with a gale that blew heavy rain diagonally across the pitch behind them. Tom Luke missed an early long-range penalty but Thornbury went ahead after 12 minutes. Thorns ran back a poor clearing kick and Will Sharratt stepped inside the cover to race in for a score between the posts. Luke converted and Thorns were 7-0 up.

Rather than inspiring Thornbury to build on this lead, the try seemed to provide Drybrook with meaning and purpose and their forwards took control of the game. Ball retention into the driving rain was outstanding as Thornbury couldn’t get their hands on the ball. Drybrook kept play tight and their well-drilled forwards picked and drove expertly.

Thornbury chose to move the ball wide at every opportunity but the wind, rain and slippery ball meant handling was poor from even the most capable of players. It seemed this was not going to be Thornbury’s day.

Drybrook levelled the scores just before half-time when the forwards linked to go over in the corner before a fine conversion. It remained 7-7 at half-time.

Thornbury looked more focused as the match restarted but it was Drybrook who scored after a defensive mix-up at a scrum let the Forest side in for an opportunist try. The conversion put Drybrook 14-7 ahead.

Thornbury increased their intensity and looked the better side in the second half but poor handling and wrong options prevented them from scoring. Thornbury played into Drybrook’s hands as the ball was moved wide in an attempt to score but, as in the first half, the conditions were not conducive to open play. Drybrook played simple but effective rugby and held out for a thoroughly deserved win.

This is a wake-up call for Thornbury. Although there was a lot of effort put in by all the players, the team collectively lacked some magic ingredient which would take them through determined opposition. Overall, Thornbury shaded the scrum and Sam Evans did remarkably well to find his jumpers in the lineout but Thornbury seemed to make more errors in this game than in the rest of the season combined.

Thornbury know they cannot afford another slip-up. If they are to finish in the top two, they need to win all their remaining games and endeavour to secure try bonus points. Newent are three points behind with a game in hand, making the match at Newent on March 19 crucial if Thornbury remain unbeaten until then.

Thornbury have a re-arranged game with Avonmouth at Barracks Lane next Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.