THORNBURY Ladies wrapped up the Women's NC 3 South West (North) league title last weekend after a 24-7 bonus-point win over Hardwicke & Quedgeley Ladies. 

Full back Emma Bennett scored a hat-trick of tries on a special day for her as Thornbury proved to be more clinical than their visitors and secured the win that ensured they cannot be caught in the league with one game remaining.

Unbeaten so far, victory in the final game on March 5 will see them complete an invincible league season.

It was Bennett who started the scoring in the first minute. Thornbury kicked off downhill and Beth Brawn immediately turned over Hardwicke & Quedgeley ball and it was moved to the right and she came in on a great line to cross.

Having soaked up a huge amount of pressure from Hardwicke & Quedgeley thereafter, Thorns stood strong and managed to work their way back up the pitch before bennett raced through the defence from half way to score under the posts.

The second half began with Thornbury getting more possession and nine minutes into the second half, Bennett completed her hat-trick. They attacked from a scrum on the ten metre line and she came in on a fine line and had too much pace rounding the cover and scoring an outstanding try between the posts.

Sadie Giles made a fine break as the half wore on and she had Gemma Tyrrell in support and she stepped out of a tackle and ran in for a fourth try. The conversion hit the post but leading 24-0 the job seemed done.

Hardwicke & Quedgeley hit back with a converted consolation try of their own to ensure they didn't remain scoreless but it did not affect the result as Thornbury celebrated their title win.