Western Counties North: Thornbury 13 Drybrook 3 (From Gazette Series)

Western Counties North: Thornbury 13 Drybrook 3

4:49pm Wednesday 3rd March 2010 in

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A TOM GUZMAN try and the boot of Simon Weaver guided Thornbury to a hard-earned victory over Drybrook to keep the pressure on Old Redcliffians at the top of the table. Following a week of heavy rain the first team pitch was unplayable so the match was staged at the Grammar School Playing Fields.

Thornbury were quickly awarded two penalties which they ran before Simon Weaver kicked a goal from the third award to put them ahead two minutes into the game.

Thorns made a hash of clearing their lines and the visitors launched a series of attacks. From an attacking lineout No8 Dean Large peeled around the front and drove for the corner but a fine Adam Hodgkins tackle saved the day for Thornbury.

The visiting pack was strong in the scrum and disrupted the quick clearance of Thornbury ball from the breakdown. They were able to slow down the game to their own pace which frustrated Thorns. However, when Thornbury had the ball their first instinct was to run. Dan Hussey came in from his wing looking for the ball and Sam Olde had a few runs.

Midway through the first half Thorns had an attacking penalty in the Drybrook 22. Giles Bristol won the lineout and the forwards mauled their way to the line and drove over, Tom Guzman credited with the try. Weaver converted to extend Thornbury’s lead. Later in the half Weaver kicked his second penalty and Thornbury ended the half 13-0 ahead.

The second half was a fractious affair. Drybrook intimidated Thorns and held the edge in the scrum and continued to slow down the game.

With ten minutes to go Drybrook kicked a penalty to put them on the scoreboard. The visitors continued to press but the Thornbury line was never in danger of being crossed and they held out for the win that consolidates their position in the play-off place in the table.

This Saturday, Thorns visit Southmead for another tough game.

Thornbury scorers: Try - Tom Guzman; Conversion - Simon Weaver; Penalties - Simon Weaver (2).