RUGBY: Thornbury end year with defeat at Lydney

Thornbury scorer: try – Bob Adams

Thornbury finished 2019 with a disappointing defeat at Lydney where they were well-beaten by a side that dominated every facet of the game, writes Dave Fox.

Although missing a number of players the effort and energy of Thornbury’s players could not be faulted. They were just beaten by a better team on the day.

Thornbury kicked off under floodlights on a wet and sticky pitch. Lydney took the early initiative and some of Thornbury’s first-up tackling was weak and unconvincing. However, Thorns managed to keep their line intact but the game was twelve minutes old before Thornbury worked their way into the Lydney ‘22’ for the first time. Shortly afterwards Alfie Richardson linked with Bob Adams for Harry Glew to head for the line. He was tackled and Thorns attacked again five metres out but conceded a penalty and Lydney cleared.

As the first quarter came to an end Lydney opened the scoring. Once more a series of poor tackles gave the home backs space and the right wing scored a converted try. Then Thorns lost Ollie Critchley and Henry Low to questionable yellow cards in the space of two minutes and a penalty saw Lydney open up a 10-0 lead.

Thornbury hit back with a fine try a few minutes later. Mike Johnson broke through and was hauled down. The ball was recycled quickly and outstanding passing at pace put Adams in at the corner. The conversion missed. Thorns then played their best rugby of the match and trailing 10-5 at the break were still in the game.

The second half was one-way traffic. Jak Evans went off early and much of Thorns’ direction seemed to go with him. Lydney became increasingly dominant and some weak tackles allowed them in for a second try and a 15-5 lead. Thornbury had to score soon, but they struggled to get any clean possession. Instead Lydney continued to command the game and Thorns were forced to defend on their line. Chris Moseley became the third player to see yellow and with Thorns’ numbers depleted again the Lydney scrum pushed Thorns over the line for a third try. Three minutes later they scored again despite a clear knock-on. Converted, Lydney were 29-5 ahead.

As the game drew to a close torrential rain made handling difficult. Billy Cantin made a fine break but it led to nothing. Then the referee put Thorns out of their misery by blowing the final whistle and as Lydney celebrated their win Thorns began to forget an entirely unmemorable match.

With no rugby played for four weeks Thornbury looked rusty and were completely outplayed in the second half. They lost their shape and didn’t use the ball well when they had it. Possession became a rare commodity and Lydney were more efficient and effective in what they did. Thorns failed to understand the referee’s interpretations and conceded countless penalties. On a positive note there were several good performances particularly from Chris Moseley, Max Harper and Harry Glew.

Thornbury welcome Chew Valley to Rockhampton Road in their next game on January 4, determined to preserve their ground record. That match kicks-off at 2.15pm.

There is Christmas rugby at Thornbury again this year on Saturday, December 28 as a Thornbury XV take on the PROPS Barbarians in a charity match to raise funds for children and young adults with learning difficulties. The match will be played at the Rockhampton Road ground and kicks-off at noon.