Tribute South West One West

Weston-super-Mare 66 Thornbury 21

THORNBURY were unable to build on an early lead and were ripped apart by Weston who revelled in the Somerset sun to prove why they are league champions. Yet there were many positives for Thornbury from an inexperienced side containing three 17-year-olds.

Thorns played with far more passion and determination than of late and became only the second side to score three tries at Weston this season.

Thornbury kicked off into the sun and a stiff breeze and began with purpose. They forced an early mistake and attacked deep into the Weston ‘22’.

The move included a dummy from George Sheldon and a well-worked scissors movement with Rich Bennett before Harry Tarling ran a great line and scored between the posts. Harry Glew converted for a 7-0 lead.

Weston hit back with a penalty and a try to go ahead by a point but Thorns hit back.

The forwards drove and created panic in the Weston defence. Awarded a penalty close to the line Liam Pemberton took it quickly and from the ruck Sam Evans crashed over. Glew converted majestically to put Thorns 14-8 ahead.

As the first quarter came to a close Thornbury looked the better side. The defensive line speed was causing problems for Weston and Thorns were playing with confidence and running the ball whenever they could.

The game turned on a seven-minute period around the half hour mark when Weston scored three converted tries. Thorns’ 14-8 lead turned into a 29-14 Weston advantage. They added two late penalties and led 35-14 at the break.

Thornbury began the second half a third try. Tarling intercepted a Weston attack on halfway. He was hauled down close to the line but the ball was quickly recycled and Evans crashed over for his second try. Glew converted.

But Thornbury were unable to get their hands on the ball. Weston dominated tight and loose play and their backs ran freely with Thorns chasing shadows. Weston scored some outstanding tries and quickly eased over the half-century.

As the game went into the last quarter Harry Tarling and Jake Wood combined to rip through the Weston defence on a run that looked to bring up Thorns’ fourth try but the final pass didn’t go to hand. It was to be Thornbury’s last chance.

Weston scored again shortly afterwards then a ninth close to the final whistle rubbed salt into Thornbury’s wounds.

However, Thornbury appear to have unearthed some quality youngsters. Jake Wood tackled ferociously and ran with purpose. Jake Goodridge was rarely more than a few feet from the ball, and Harry Tarling showed deft hands, poise and vision.

The pack fought hard against a big unit but were unable to secure sufficient possession to let the backs run freely in the second half. The scrums were even but Thorns lost a couple of lineouts.

Defensively Thorns were generally sound against constant waves of Weston’s attackers but any mistakes were ruthless capitalised upon.

Thornbury play their last home game of the season on Saturday when they take on Bideford, kick off is 3pm

Thornbury scorers: tries – Harry Tarling, Sam Evans (2); conversions – Harry Glew (3)