Thornbury 2nds 19 Vardre 7

THORNBURY hosted Swansea club Vardre, who were on tour, for a friendly played at The Chantry Fields.

The tourists were staying in Bristol before heading to Liverpool to continue their end of season celebrations.

Thornbury built their side around the second XV, brought in players from the thirds and there were also a couple of first teamers needing games.

The team also welcomed back Dan Hussey after his sabbatical in New Zealand, and Daniel Martin, who had not played for twenty years. Prop Ryan Neville made his debut in a Thornbury shirt.

Vardre began with a well-worked try within ninety seconds. It looked as though this would be a difficult evening for Thorns but the backs got plentiful possession and with Josh Panting and James Donohue particularly elusive with ball in hand their account was opened when Donny stretched out of a tackle for a fine try. Tom Williams converted for 7-7.

That remained the score for the rest of the half, but with Thornbury playing downhill and Thorns went ahead early in the second half when Josh Panting danced through the defence to score. Prop Johnny Heaven missed the conversion.

The game was won midway through the half when good hands created space for Jim Pullin to come in on a fine line and score in the corner, his first try for Thornbury in over 20 seasons! Tom Williams converted.

The game ended shortly afterwards with Thornbury comfortable winners at 19-7.

It had been an enjoyable match. Thornbury’s man of the match was Ollie Fleming.

Thornbury scorers: tries – James Donohue, Josh Panting and Jim Pullin; conversions – Tom Williams (2)