Thornbury Rugby Club had a weekend to remember with three victories across the senior teams. 

In vastly contrasting games, the Second XV and Ladies team both won whilst the Third XV travelled to London to play Middlesex club Chiswick.

The weekend began on Friday evening with a match at Cribbs Causeway where Thornbury Second XV took on Clifton Thirds.

Gazette Series: Stuart Murray brushes off the attentions of a Chiswick playerStuart Murray brushes off the attentions of a Chiswick player (Image: Dave Fox)

Thornbury came away with an impressive 47-12 win through tries from George Jackson (2), Will Beese, Charlie Joynt, Luke Panting, Chris Perrett and Mike Priday. Sam Poustie converted six on his gradual return from injury.

On Sunday, a battling Thornbury Ladies team beat Wiveliscombe Ladies 22-19.

Thornbury led throughout the game, and began well with a try from Lindsay Broughton who dived over after the forwards had battered the visitors’ line. 

Fliss Place converted with a fine kick, then scored herself shortly afterwards, diving over following good play down the right. Wiveliscombe hit back with a long-range converted try that exploited some indifferent defence.

Leading 12-7 at the break, Thorns eased further ahead when Steph Coles dived over in the corner for a third try. Wiveliscombe hit back with a try before Lucy Humphreys barged most of the opposition out of her way on the way to a fine try.

The visitors scored a late consolation try to cause some nervousness but Thornbury held out for a deserved win.

The highlight for the rugby club was on Saturday.

In 2022 the town of Thornbury and the Rugby Club itself lost the charismatic Rob Tillen. He had played for Chiswick RFC before moving to Thornbury and a match was staged to celebrate his life.

Thornbury sent a Third XV to play Chiswick Veterans and Thornbury won 24-12.

Wayne Underwood scored two tries with Mark Roper and Jon Day also scoring. Underwood converted both.

Gazette Series: Stuart Adams (right) with Guy Mason of Chiswick with the Rob Tillen TrophyStuart Adams (right) with Guy Mason of Chiswick with the Rob Tillen Trophy (Image: Dave Fox)

Thornbury captain Stuart Adams was presented with a trophy, but the result was of little significance. Lasting friendships were made on a glorious old-fashioned day of honest rugby.