Rugby: Hussey brothers can't rescue Thornbury from defeat (From Gazette Series)

South West One West: Thornbury 17 Oldfield Old Boys 20

10:38am Thursday 12th January 2012 in Thornbury Sport

THORNBURY failed to take their chances and ultimately lost to a well-drilled Oldfield side that took all of theirs, writes Dave Fox.

Despite dominating territory and possession Thorns were unable to penetrate the Oldfield defence and have now gone seven league games without a victory.

Five minutes into the game the visitors counter-attacked. A fine cover tackle stopped the move on the Thornbury line but the scrum half followed up and dived over for the try. The conversion missed.

Thornbury tried to force the play but made too many mistakes. Oldfield, on the other hand, moved the ball with pace and accuracy.

After 28 minutes they took play into the Thornbury 22 and after Thorns hacked the ball clear the visiting full-back ran into space and scored the second unconverted try.

From the restart Thorns attacked deep into the Oldfield 22. Eventually Rob Higgitt and Craig Beyer passed to Dan Hussey in space but he was tap-tackled a metre from the line. His momentum appeared to take him over for the try but the referee was uncertain he’d scored and disallowed the score.

Two minutes later a hurried clearing kick was ran back. Adam Hodgkins made good ground then passed out of the tackle to Dan Hussey, who veered outside the fullback and crashed over for the try. Tim Stephens converted and Thorns were back in the game.

Seconds after half-time Higgitt forced an Oldfield defender to carry the ball over his own line and Thornbury were awarded a scrum five metres out. The pack focussed and shunted the Oldfield scrum over the line for Jack Hussey to claim a push-over try. Tim Stephens’ conversion put Thorns 14-10 ahead.

Four minutes later the lead was reduced to a single point by an Oldfield drop goal.

Dan Hussey was close to scoring again but the Oldfield defence continued to be well-organised and effective. Midway through the half Oldfield scored a try which was converted to put them 20-14 ahead.

With ten minutes to go Stephens put Thorns back within three points with a penalty. In a frantic last few minutes play moved from one end to the other as Thorns tried to win the game.

However, all Thorns had to show for their efforts was a losing bonus point.

The pack played well throughout and provided sufficient possession for the backs to have won convincingly, but the accuracy and fluidity which was in abundance in the Oldfield backs was missing for Thornbury. Man of the match: Chris Till.

Thornbury scorers - tries - Dan Hussey, Jack Hussey; conversions - Tim Stephens (2); penalty - Tim Stephens l This weekend Thornbury are at Cleve and the Second XV travel to Cinderford, whilst the Third XV are home to Ashley Down. All games kick off at 2.30pm.