Pre-season warm-up

Chichester 34 Thornbury 36

THORNBURY’S pre-season continued with a win at Chichester which was far more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.

The Thornbury pack played particularly well to pave the way to victory in a game of four thirty-minute quarters. In the final quarter, a weak and weary selection conceded four tries to a stronger Chichester line-up which made the scoreline more respectable for the West Sussex side.

Chichester began the better and it was clear this was going to be a stiffer test for Thorns than provided by Abbey the previous weekend. Then, after six minutes, the Thornbury scrum destroyed the Chichester eight and from the ensuing penalty a lineout was secured in the corner. Thorns drove but when they were halted Harry Glew spotted a gap and nipped in for a try. He superbly converted his try and Thorns were 7-0 up.

Chichester surged into Thornbury territory and responded with an unconverted try from a driving lineout.

Thorns began to dominate but were unable to break down a determined defence until Sam Evans crashed over in the corner after quick thinking at a lineout. The conversion went wide but Thorns were 12-5 up at the end of the first quarter.

Thornbury won the game in the second period as the forwards and backs began to play some fine rugby. Two minutes after the game restarted, Bob Adams intercepted on the Chichester ten metre line and by some clever zig-zagging avoided the chasing defenders to score between the posts. Glew converted for 19-5.

Chichester hit back with a try but Thorns eased further ahead shortly afterwards when James Wood scored from another driving lineout.

Then came the try of the match. Thorns were awarded a penalty on halfway and Jack Hussey took it quickly. Harry Tarling burst through, drew the defence and fed the supporting Harry Glew who raced in for a terrific score. He added the conversion which eased Thorns to a 31-10 lead.

Five minutes later, Adams again broke away on halfway and kicked ahead. Louis Ogilvie chased, kicked ahead again, gathered the ball and ran in for a try. It went unconverted but Thorns led 36-10 at the end of the second quarter.

Wholesale changes were made for the next period in which neither side troubled the scoreboard. Further changes were made for the final quarter. This time Thornbury had a selection which was a mix of Second and Third XV players with the odd Colt thrown in but Chichester reintroduced some first team players and that made the difference. The wings scored three tries between them and in last play the home forwards rumbled to the line, Thornbury prevented the score illegally and the referee awarded a penalty try. That heralded the final whistle and Thornbury had deservedly held on for the win.

This was a highly-satisfying win over good opponents. Thornbury are in action again on Thursday when pre-season matches come to a close with an away trip to Old Patesians.