By Dave Fox

Tribute South West One West

Bideford 33 Thornbury 31

THORNBURY lost their opening league game of the season to a late try in a fine game of rugby.

They came away from Devon with two points but will be disappointed it wasn’t the full five. Alfie Richardson scored three of Thorns’ five tries.

A young side including three teenagers exuded confidence but began sluggishly and Bideford capitalised on a poor tackle to score a second minute converted try. In the build-up Thorns lost experienced centre Tim Stephens with a serious hamstring injury.

Bideford continued to impress and the Thornbury scrum was under pressure but after ten minutes defending Thorns got into the game and began to cause Bideford problems.

The score was equalised on 16 minutes when the forwards drove from a lineout and Sam Poustie slid over for a try. Bob Adams converted.

Thornbury took the lead from the restart. Harry Glew hoisted a box kick which was knocked on. Richardson booted on the loose ball, gathered his kick and scored. Adams converted to put Thorns ahead. Thorns continued to attack and had several half-chances, but the score remained 14-7 to Thorns at the break.

Once again Thornbury started sluggishly and Bideford scored two converted tries early in the second half to put Bideford 21-14 up. With the initiative with Bideford and Thornbury struggling to get hands on the ball Thorns had to score next to avoid Bideford running away with the game.

Two minutes later Richardson scored his second try using his exceptional pace to chase a kick ahead and score. The conversion missed but Thorns only trailed 21-19.

Bideford extended their lead with another converted try then as the match entered the final quarter teenage prop Henry Low came on and immediately enjoyed success as Thornbury’s best scrum of the afternoon earned them a penalty. Adams put the ball in the corner and the forwards drove James Wood over for Thornbury’s bonus point try. Adams converted for 28-26.

It looked to be Thornbury’s game when four minutes later Thorns scored the try of the match. Alfie Richardson ran back a deep kick. Mike Beswick, Harry Glew and Louis Ogilvie made good ground down the left before the ball was switched to the right and Richardson dived over to complete his hat-trick. Thorns were back ahead at 31-28.

Bideford were far from finished and with Jack Hussey receiving a dubious yellow-card the Devonians man advantage told and they took a quick penalty to dive over for the winning try.

This had been a fine game of rugby with two sides of contrasting styles giving it everything. A draw would have been the fairer result.

Thornbury play Cornish giants Launceston at home on Saturday, kick off 3:00 Thornbury scorers: tries – Alfie Richardson (3), Sam Poustie, James Wood; conversions – Bob Adams (3)