GRFU Development League

Hornets Colts 14

Thornbury Development Squad 33

THORNBURY Development Squad cast aside the challenge of Hornets to be crowned GRFU League and Cup champions after a fine win at Hartpury College.

It crowned a remarkable season in which the team have played some magnificent rugby under the guidance of head coach Darren Yapp and his assistants and won all bar three of their games.

With Thorns playing into the sun and a stiff breeze Thornbury struck early when Tyler Tyrrell touched down for a try after only 107 seconds. Josh Panting converted.

The score was doubled midway through the half when the backs broke through a tight defence and Jake Wood was sent away.

He stepped the cover and sprinted in to score between the posts. Josh Panting added the extras for a 14-0 lead.

Shortly afterwards scrum half Ben Liddington reacted quickly from a quick heel at a scrum and put Finn Hitchcock in for a third try.

The conversion missed then Hornets hit back with a converted try shortly before half time to see Thornbury 19-7 ahead at the break.

Hornets looked the better side in the third quarter but Thornbury’s defence was magnificent.

However, with a player in the sin bin the defence were unable to prevent a powerful forward drive which earned Hornets their second converted try.

Although Thornbury led 19-14 the momentum was with Hornets.

But Thornbury knuckled down and when Thorns latched on loose ball Jake Goodridge dummied the cover and raced through for the fourth try.

Jake Wood finished off a great surge from the restart to put Thorns out of sight.

Josh Panting converted both but Hornets had too much to do trailing 33-14 with only ten minutes to go.

A well-deserved win by a fine side that promises much for next season and the future of Thornbury rugby club.

Skipper Henry Low was presented with the Colin Sibery Memorial Cup which the GRFU award to the U-18 Cup winners, and Harry Tarling received the GRFU Development League Cup and plaque.

Thornbury scorers: tries – Jake Wood (2), Tyler Tyrrell, Finn Hitchcock and Jake Goodridge; conversions – Josh Panting (4)