Thornbury 26 Sidmouth 0

Thornbury delivered their most complete performance of the season with a well-structured and controlled victory over Sidmouth in a thrilling game, writes Dave Fox.

Both sides ignored the heavy pitch to run the ball at every opportunity and both defences were effective and well-organised, but Thornbury had the extra edge and scored a try in each of the quarters to earn a try bonus point which saw them return to the top of the table.

Sidmouth kicked off but Thornbury had an early lineout on the Sidmouth line from which prop Jay Burley burst away and scored. The conversion was wide but with four minutes gone Thorns were 5-0 ahead.

The contest was even with both defences cancelling out their opponents and applying pressure. Sidmouth missed a difficult penalty and as the first quarter came to an end they began increase their intensity and their No.8 carried well, but he was hammered back in an inspirational tackle from Jak Evans. It brought a huge cheer from the crowd. Sidmouth were unable to break through the Thornbury defence. As the match went into first half stoppage time Thorns scored from a driving lineout with Charlie Squier awarded the try which Bob Adams converted for a 12-0 halftime lead.

The second half began with Thorns on the attack stretching the visitors’ defence as the game flowed from end to end. Thorns extended their lead after eleven minutes when Burley burst through on half way before Sam Poustie and Alfie Richardson created space for Harry Glew to round the defence and touch down by the posts. Adams converted to put Thorns 19-0 up.

As the light and time began to disappear Sidmouth tried desperately to score, then Max Harper stole a Sidmouth lineout and Thorns ran upfield. Adams made good ground and Ollie Critchley charged downhill in the gloom. The defence tackled Thorns’ lock and the ball was cleared. Thornbury, it seemed, would not get the try bonus point which they had managed to secure in each of their home matches so far this season.

Then in the fifth minute of stoppage time that changed. The ball went loose and Ben Marlow picked it up and sprinted out of the darkness and thirty metres the line to score the try which earned Thorns the bonus point. Adams converted and the referee blew for the end of the match which Thornbury deservedly won 26-0.

This was an outstanding game between two teams intent on playing positive open rugby. Thornbury controlled the match, kicked accurately and organised their defence to ensure the capable Sidmouth backs had no space to play in. Jak Evans had a marvellous game acting as an extra back row as well as a scrum half. Thorns’ makeshift pack was outstanding in the loose. Ben Marlow had a debut to be proud of. Charlie Squier and Ollie Critchley had their best games in a Thornbury shirt whilst Jay Burley was deservedly awarded Player of the Match.

Devonport Services narrowly defeated Hornets allowing Thorns to go to, and it is to third-place Hornets Thornbury travel on Saturday for a crucial game. Kick-off is 2:30.

Thornbury scorers: tries –Burley, Squier, Glew, Marlow; conversions –Adams (3)