Thornbury 35 North Petherton 6

Thornbury scorers: tries –Richardson, Johnson, Phillips, Evans, Poustie; conversions –Pinker (5)

A well-executed game plan allowed Thornbury to overcome heavy rain, a boggy pitch and determined opposition to return to the top, writes Dave Fox.

Thorns kicked the ball when it needed to be kicked and passed when the opportunity presented itself to score five tries. The defence was outstanding and although two players were sin-binned the discipline was generally excellent.

North Petherton kicked-off and their forwards began to dominate early possession. But Thorns went ahead on six minutes. Billy Cantin gathered a loose ball then Mike Johnson and Dan Hussey created space for Alfie Richardson to sprint in from halfway and score between the posts. Jack Pinker converted.

The lead was doubled a few minutes later. Richardson caught a clearing kick and ran diagonally, passed to Harry Glew who kicked behind the defence. Johnson chased hard and picked up the ball and cleverly slid over the line for the try. Pinker converted.

Thornbury’s kicking game became more prevalent as the pitch became increasingly boggy in places and Glew launched some outstanding kicks. The visitors kicked a penalty and Thorns finished the half 14-3 ahead.

The second half began as the first had ended with Thornbury tackling everything that moved and then cleared their lines. Thorns had more energy and it was then Pethy’s turn to defend. Then having tied in the defence a fine pass from Sam Evans put James Phillips in by the corner flag. Another excellent conversion from Pinker eased Thorns out to 21-3.

Pethy hit back with a penalty then as the game entered the last quarter Thorns made the most of a visiting player in the bin and a well-executed driving lineout rumbled over for the bonus point try from skipper Evans. Pinker’s conversion put his side out of sight at 28-6.

Thorns continued to attack and looked fitter and more energetic. In the dying moments Thorns looked for more and Jay Burley was heavily involved in several attacks close to the line.

As the match went into stoppage Sam Poustie latched on to a telegraphed pass and scored between the posts. Pinker converted for 35-6 and the referee blew for the end of the match.

This was an absorbing game in which Thornbury managed the match and the opposition with considerable skill. Each player had a fine game with Jay Burley and Jim Massey prominent throughout with ball in hand. The match was made for Jack Hussey and he had an outstanding match whilst the pace, handling and general ambition of the backs was terrific. The tries were taken well and the goal-kicking of Jack Pinker was outstanding. The sponsors awarded the man of the match to Harry Glew for his fine display of controlled rugby and great kicking.

Thornbury travel to Plymouth to take on the Services on November 9, 2.30pm.