National League play-off

Salisbury 26 Thornbury 24

A penalty in the last seconds of the game snatched promotion to the National Leagues from Thornbury’s grasp in a tense encounter at Salisbury.

Tries from Gareth Morgan and Jack Hussey plus the boot of Tom Luke kept Thorns in the game but the scraps of possession Thornbury secured throughout the game weren’t quite enough to see them through.

The day began badly for Thorns when the player’s coach arrived late and Thornbury got to Salisbury less than an hour before kick-off.

Salisbury kicked off and showed that their big pack was going to be their primary weapon, whilst Thornbury ran the ball at every opportunity. The early stages were even but Tom Luke opened the scoring with a fifth minute penalty for Thorns.

Home fullback Tom Lane equalised with a penalty then Thornbury centre Will Sharratt charged down a clearing kick and Gareth Morgan gathered to score between the posts. Luke converted for a 10-3 lead.

As the first quarter ended Thorns suffered a huge blow when the influential James Wood had to leave the field with a facial injury. Seconds later Salisbury equalised when the centre squeezed in at the corner for a converted try.

To add to Thornbury’s woes a violent shower deposited heavy, icy rain on the players, although Luke put Thorns 13-10 ahead shortly afterwards. Thornbury maintained that lead at half time.

Salisbury’s forwards played the game tight and equalised with a penalty early in the second half then when Thorns made a hash of dealing with a deep kick the Salisbury forwards drove over and the converted try gave them a 20-13 lead. The teams swopped penalties then Luke added another after Louis Osborne charged down another clearing kick. Salisbury led 23-19.

With the sun now shining Thornbury Jak Evans made a break and Thorns’ forwards threw everything at the Salisbury line. Salisbury conceded a penalty and Luke went for the corner. Thornbury took a five metre lineout and the forwards drove Jack Hussey over for Thorns’ second try. Luke’s conversion narrowly missed but Thornbury had regained the lead at 24-23.

The Salisbury pack once again kept the ball close and forced a series of penalties. After two misses fullback Lane slotted over his fourth penalty to regain the lead at 26-24 in the last minute of normal time. Salisbury ran the clock down to secure their promotion.

It was not to be Thornbury’s day. Every Thornbury player gave everything and the defence was outstanding against constant narrow attacks. Sam Evans, Luke Workman and the back row had great games whilst the centre pairing of Dai Matthews and Will Sharratt tackled everything but had little opportunity to run. Tom Luke kicked well as Thorns played all the rugby, but it wasn’t quite enough on the day.

Nevertheless, it had been an outstanding season for Thornbury, finishing the highest up the leagues in their history.

Thornbury scorers: tries – Gareth Morgan and Jack Hussey; conversion – Tom Luke; penalties – Tom Luke (4)