Thornbury put leaders Launceston under massive pressure in a memorable battle but were left empty-handed following the visitors scored a late converted try writes Dave Fox.

In a game of two halves, Thorns defended in the first half then attacked ferociously after the break reducing their deficit to a single point but a converted try three minutes from time denied Thornbury the bonus point.they would have thoroughly deserved.

A fortnight of rain had rendered the Thornbury pitch unplayable and so the match was switched to Lockleaze Sports Centre.

Launceston kicked off with a gale behind them. Thorns made a hash of dealing with the kick and although they defended well were pinned on their own line for ten minutes.

Eventually the Launceston forwards drove over for a try and a 5-0 lead.

They added a penalty then early in the second quarter Jake Wood made a break and raced into the Launceston 22. As he was tackled he passed outside but the ball bounced off a Launceston defender.

Rich Bennett picked it up and ran for the line unchallenged but the referee adjudged the ball had been knocked on and the try was not allowed. Then the Launceston hooker scored a try which was converted for 15-0.

Thornbury responded well and Wood chipped behind the defence but as the ball bounced close to the corner flag Bennett was impeded and the ball was knocked on and it was 15-0 ahead at half time.

The wind dropped as the game restarted. After Thornbury missed a penalty, Launceston kicked a drop out and Sam Evans gathered it on half way.

He ran initially then deftly kicked the ball behind the advancing defence. Louis Ogilvie outpaced his wing to get to the ball first and scored Thorns’ first points. Wood added the extras.

Thorns were enjoying more possession and played in the Launceston half.

Then from a scrum on the line good passing gave Jonny Sanderson space to dive over in the corner for a try. Wood, converted from the touchline. At 14-15 the impetus and momentum was with Thornbury.

They continued to press and Launceston continued to defend in a mirror of the first half.

With ten minutes remaining the wind blew a penalty wide and the chance of taking the lead had gone.

Launceston withstood further attacks then with three minutes remaining, they scored a try in the corner.

The conversion held tantalisingly in the wind but fell over the bar. It was a remarkable kick which stretched the lead to eight points and struck off Thornbury's losing bonus point.

The final few minutes were frenetic but there was no further score but it was a memorable game of committed rugby and, despite defeat, a hugely impressive performance by Thornbury against a side that was unbeaten on the road.

Thornbury are at home again next Saturday when they will take on Lydney.