Thornbury 78 Crediton 0

Thornbury ran in twelve tries to thrash Crediton in an outstanding display of fifteen-man rugby, writes Dave Fox.

Forwards and backs ran hard and linked well as Jack Pinker scored 28 points in a record league win for Thorns.

Thornbury kicked-off downhill into a stiff wind. Crediton were penalised and Thorns went for an early driving lineout and skipper Sam Evans scored in the corner. Thorns doubled their score three minutes later. Pinker and Billy Cantin combined to open the defence then Pinker looped around and fed Jay Burley who crashed over. The conversion missed but Thorns led 10-0.

Thornbury were now rampant. Alfie Richardson nearly put Rich Bennett in but after Crediton made a mess clearing their lines Bennett pounced on the loose ball and scored. Pinker converted for 17-0 then as the first quarter came to an end another scything Pinker break created space which Harry Glew sprinted into and ran in unopposed for the try. Pinker’s conversion put Thorns 24-0 up.

The scrum was on top and Ben Marlow stole a Crediton lineout on their line and Pinker found Richardson in space and he walked in for the try. Pinker converted then with half-time approaching Cantin broke through on halfway and after the forwards carried well Burley crashed over for his second try. Pinker converted for 38-0.

Thorns hadn’t finished and in last play Charlie Squier touched down from a driving lineout. Pinker’s touchline conversion heralded the halftime whistle with Thorns leading 45-0.

Early in the second half Pinker ran a great line, burst clear and scored between the posts. Then as Thorns attacked from the restart he chipped over the Crediton defence, gathered the ball and scored his second converted try in two minutes and extended Thornbury’s lead to 59-0.

As the final quarter started Jack Hussey made a great break and the forwards and backs passing and offloading out of the tackle was outstanding, and after Crediton had run out of defenders Richardson wandered in for his second try. Pinker converted then delicately chipped over the defence for Richardson to complete his hat-trick. The conversion made it 71-0.

The final score came close to the end when Pinker took a cross-kick out wide then cross-kicked back inside for Glew to gather and score the twelfth try. Pinker rounded off an outstanding afternoon with his ninth conversion and a 78-0 win.

Although Thornbury were confident of victory the magnitude of the win was not anticipated, particularly with the backs having to be reshuffled and a player drop out close to kick-off. The forwards dominated and the back-row ruled the roost and gave the Thornbury backs plenty of space to operate in. The backs attacked with confidence and every player contributed hugely to a fine win. However Jack Pinker was outstanding and a complete menace to Crediton whenever he had the ball. Darting runs, delicate kicks and accurate passing saw him and his fellow backs rip holes in the visiting defence and he was awarded Player of the Match award from the match sponsors.

Thornbury have a difficult match at North Petherton on Saturday. Kick-off is 2.30pm.

Thornbury scorers: tries –Richardson (3), Burley (2), Glew (2), Pinker (2), Evans, Bennett Squier; conversions –Pinker (9).