Rugby: Thornbury continue slide down the table (From Gazette Series)

South West One West: Thornbury 5 Avonmouth Old Boys 22

4:50pm Wednesday 14th December 2011 in Thornbury Sport

BATTLING Thornbury were unable to prevent league leaders Avonmouth from collecting their ninth successive win despite dominating the second half. Thorns couldn’t convert possession into points in an improved forward performance and have now lost four of their last five league games, slipping to eighth in the table.

Avonmouth immediately put width and pace to the ball and would have scored but for a good tackle from Craig Beyer. However, the Mouth were not to be denied and from the resumption of play Chris Hamilton crossed for the opening try after two minutes had elapsed. Andy Taylor’s conversion put Avonmouth 7-0 ahead.

Thornbury temporarily took play into the visitors’ half but Avonmouth rushed back and Dai Mathews saved a certain try with a tackle at the corner flag. Minutes later visiting scrum-half Connor Powell broke through and raced 25 metres for a try, converted by Taylor. Midway through the half Jak Evans led a kick and chase downfield which took play to the Avonmouth line. Instead of Thornbury scoring Avonmouth returned upfield and Taylor kicked a penalty which extended the lead to 17-0.

Avonmouth scored again through Joe Wearne five minutes before half-time wide out. The conversion missed but at 22-0 behind Thorns were staring defeat in the face.

Thornbury took the game to Avonmouth and Tim Stephens cross-kicked from a tapped penalty for Rob Higgitt to score a try wide out. The conversion missed and Avonmouth went into the break leading 22-5. The third quarter of the game took place entirely in the Avonmouth half as the Thornbury pack took control of set-piece play and controlled possession. Adam Hodgkins had a fine game charging with the ball in hand and the front row of himself, Chris Till and Luke Workman caused trouble for Avonmouth. Several half breaks were made but the passing was inaccurate and laboured as Thorns were unable to capitalise on the chances. Three minutes before the end the ball was moved across the line to Dan Hussey, who beat two men and raced clear but rather than going for the try he passed inside to an Avonmouth player. The visitors’ defence was well organised and with the Thornbury backs not functioning well as a unit the result was a deserved win for Avonmouth.

Thornbury scorer: try - Rob Higgitt.

* This Saturday Thornbury travel to second-placed Brixham in South Devon for the last league game of the year, conscious that Brixham will be eager to avenge their defeat at Thornbury in September.

The 2nd XV are home to Lydney and the 3rd XV are away at Cotham Park.

* On Sunday Thornbury under-17s play Frampton Cotterell U17s in the final of the Bristol Combination Cup. The match kicks off at Cleve RFC (Mangotsfield) at 2pm.

* Thornbury Vandals play their annual charity rugby game with the PROPS Barbarians at Thornbury RFC, Rockhampton, on December 27, 12pm. All proceeds from the match go to children and young people with physical and learning disabilities.