Thornbury 52 Newton Abbot 0

Thornbury blew away Newton Abbot with a spectacular eight-try win based on their dynamic mix of pace and movement of the ball plus aggressive defence, writes Dave Fox.

With Devonport Services losing for the first time this season Thorns have taken over at the top-of-the-table.

Thornbury kicked off uphill and having regained the ball move it wide where Sam Poustie looped around and scored in the corner. The try went unconverted but Thorns had shown how they were going to play.

A second try looked a distinct possibility a few minutes later when Thorns turned over Newton Abbot on the home ‘22’ then moved it to Bob Adams who raced upfield but as the ball was moved infield it was knocked on. But Thorns were not to be denied. From a lineout on the ‘22’ Jay Burley drove then the ball was moved into midfield where Billy Cantin stepped through and had the strength to crash through a tackle for his first try for the club. Adams converted for 12-0.

Cantin nearly scored a second shortly afterwards but then Adams acrobatically collected a hurried clearing kick on halfway and moved it inside to Harry Glew who raced around the advancing defence and scorched down the touchline outstripping the cover and scored in the corner. Adams converted from the touchline and Thorns were 19-0 up.

As the first quarter drew to a close Thorns secured the try bonus point when Poustie touched down for his second try. After many drives on the Newton Abbot line the move went right then Cantin switched it to the left where Glew put Poustie in out wide. The conversion missed but Thorns were scoring at a point a minute to lead 24-0.

Ten minutes later Thornbury scored again. Following a series of close assaults on the Devonian’s line Jak Evans dummied and stepped inside to score. The conversion extended the lead to 31-0 which remained the halftime score.

Thorns opened the second half with another try. Evans broke from halfway, drew the cover and passed inside to the supporting Ben Phillips who scored by the posts. Adams converted for 38-0.

Thornbury had the game won and went off the boil allowing Newton Abbot to get some confidence and territory, but Thorns’ defence was sound. Midway through the half Jack Hussey had two tries disallowed in the space of ninety seconds then the industrious Phillips picked up the ball and crashed over for his second try after Poustie was tackled on the line. The conversion increased Thorns’ lead to 45-0.

As fulltime approached Dan Hussey ran around and dived in for the try after Evans had tied up the visitors’ defence. Adams converted and the referee blew for the end of the match shortly afterwards.

Thorns were dynamic in attack showing great continuity and mobility. Sam Evans and Ben Phillips were outstanding. The scrum was on top for the entire match whilst the lineout functioned well. Jak Evans was a threat throughout whilst Chris Moseley and Billy Cantin get better with each game. Sam Poustie had an excellent game displaying good options and careful distribution.

Thornbury travel to Crediton on Saturday for their next game.

Thornbury scorers: tries –Poustie (2), Phillips (2), Cantin, Glew, Evans, Hussey; conversions: Adams (6).