THORNBURY RFC ran in six tries as they cruised to a 40-20 win at Winscombe for their 10th victory of the 2022/23 season. 

Thorns began well and controlled territory and possession but the accuracy was missing until they did take the lead after 10 minutes when Alfie Richardson and Fin MacLeod-Bailey linked with Mike Gaston who drew the defence for Jack Pinker to score.

Thorns were threatening to score again but opportunities were wasted and Winscombe kicked a penalty to reduce the lead to 7-3.

But as was the nature of the game, Thorns responded and Gaston and Mike Johnson charged to the line but quick ball from the breakdown found Sam Butcher who crashed over for a well-deserved try.

Winscombe took advantage of Thorns being offside as the restart to score another penalty to make it 14-6 at half-time. 

The second-half would prove more efficient for the visitors, who seemed to find their scoring touch.

Richardson made a blistering break deep into the Winscombe half and the ball was recycled to Johnson, who scored in the corner.

The bonus-point was wrapped up shortly afterwards as a quick lineout was taken to give James Jackson the space to race over and all of a sudden, the score had been stretched to 28-6.

Winscombe did get their first try of the afternoon to recude the deficit but it was short-lived relief as Thorns scored their fifth through MacLeod-Bailey.

The sixth and final try was scored by Gatson after a flowing counter-attack move before the hosts scored a consolation in the closing stages.