Tribute South West One West

Midsomer Norton 5 Thornbury 36

THORNBURY returned from muddy Midsomer Norton with a maximum points haul from a hard-fought win over awkward and determined opponents.

Once again the forwards led the way with James Wood grabbing two first half tries as Thornbury secured a try bonus point by half time.

Thornbury kicked off and were twice over the line but unable to ground the ball in the opening minutes. After eight minutes of constant pressure Thorns drove from a scrum and James Wood supported Rob Higgitt and drove over for the first try. Harry Glew converted for a 7-0 lead.

Norton restarted and quickly regathered the ball but a missed tackle let their wing run in from distance for a try that seemed all too easy. Thornbury took play back into Norton territory and forwards and backs created space for Mike Gaston to race in for a try at the corner. The conversion missed but Thorns had extended the lead to 12-5.

The pitch was hampering the running lines of both sets of backs and the ball was kept tight.

Then on the half hour Thorns scored again when Wood was driven over from a driving lineout.

Glew’s conversion eased Thorns 19-5 ahead. The try bonus was secured in an identical try awarded to Jack Hussey on the stroke of half time. Thorns held a healthy 24-5 lead at the break.

Rugby in the third quarter was particularly scrappy. Thornbury seemed to struggle to get going and there were many stoppages for injuries to both sides.

Then with a player in the sin bin Thorns scored their fifth try with five minutes to go. Luke Workman came up with the ball after another driving lineout had crashed over. The conversion missed but Thorns had the game won at 29-5.

Then with time running out Thornbury scored the try of the match. They attacked from a scrum and a delayed pass gave Harry Tarling space. He made a great break, drew his man and Alfie Richardson put Rich Bennett in at the corner.

A terrific try deserves a terrific conversion and Glew bounced his conversion off the posts and over for a 36-5 win.

Thorns did what they needed to do and accomplished a good win against difficult opposition. Thornbury’s forwards were again dynamic. The ball-carrying of James Wood, Sam Evans and Jack Hussey was effective and Liam Pemberton had a fine game in the loose.

Jack Summerfield continues to impress as a powerful prop whilst Harry Glew had a good match and revealed he knows how to kick a ball from the hand and the floor.

Rich Bennett had an eye-catching return to the side and young Harry Tarling had a debut he should remember proudly. He played virtually the whole game and capped a good game by creating the final try.

On Saturday, Thornbury are at Bridgwater, kick off 2.30pm.

Thornbury Scorers: tries – James Wood (2), Mike Gaston, Jak Hussey, Luke Workman and Rich Bennett; conversions – Harry Glew (3)