THORNBURY moved up to second in the table following this fine win at Keynsham. Playing controlled rugby, Thorns scored two tries in each half and could have scored more had the match not been played in strong cross-winds and torrential rain.

Thorns made a dream start, Sam Olde scoring with less than a minute gone.

The try went unconverted but Thornbury had shown their attacking intent.

Long kicks from Dai Matthews forced the home side onto the back foot. Tim Stephens kicked a penalty in midfield before the home pack were awarded a pushover try which brought them back to within a point.

Dan Hussey was unlucky not to score tries for Thornbury on two occasions, however, they were not to be denied. Five minutes before half-time Craig Beyer launched a counter attack. James Murray took it on before Wayne Underwood made a break and passed to Jack Hussey, who cut inside to dive over close to the posts. Stephens converted and Thornbury led 15-7 at half-time.

Keynsham were on top after the game restarted but the Thornbury defence tackled well and pressurised their hosts into mistakes. Midway through the half Matthews intercepted a pass and ran 60 metres for a try which Stephens converted. When Dan Hussey finished off a move started by Sam Olde Thorns effectively had the game won. Stephens converted then kicked his second penalty to put Thorns out of sight.

With minutes remaining the defence was as committed as ever, with Craig Beyer producing a memorable tackle.

Thornbury won because they were more committed, played the elements and took their chances. They also had an aggressive defence, tackling was excellent and their counter-rucking forced several turnovers.

Thornbury have no game this weekend but play at Widden Old Boys the following weekend.

Thornbury scorers: Tries - Sam Olde, Jack Hussey, Dai Matthews, Dan Hussey; Conversions - Tim Stephens (3); Penalties - Tim Stephens (2).

Merit Table Thornbury 3rds 26 Ashley Down 2nds 21 Ashley Down visited Rockhampton Road for a top of the table clash against Thornbury.

The visitors led with a 100 per cent record, whilst Thorns were in third place with just two defeats to blemish their record.

Playing up the slope in the first half Thorns blew away the opposition in the first 20 minutes, scoring four tries to take a 26-0 lead.

First on the scoresheet after five minutes was speedy winger Nick Tyrell, who rounded off a flowing effort to score in the right hand corner.

This was followed ten minutes later by Welsh wizard Eric Morgan crossing the whitewash.

Almost from the restart powerful centre Trevor Sergeant scored a fine individual try.

With hardly time to draw breath, captain Rupert Hunt completed the onslaught of tries.

Three fine conversions from Sergeant gave Thorns their commanding lead and they continued to press for a further score, which surely would have finished off the visitors.

The visitors seemed to grow in confidence and with half-time looming Ashley Down scored a converted try.

It was a fairly even half but indiscipline from Thorns penalised by the referee allowed the visitors to gain ground.

Eventually a penalty try was awarded against the home side to narrow the score to 26-14.

Once again Ashley Down scored a converted try with the last play of the half.

In the pack hooker Ryan Sullivan returned to action and produced his usual committed performance. Richard Nash had another outstanding game in the back row.

In the backs Quentin Jackson stepped up to the mark to play out of position at fly half. All the replacements performed well, with winger Sean Goodridge producing a fine cameo performance.

Manager Howard Bowker said:, “Given the conditions our opening 20 minutes were excellent and took the game away from Ashley Down.

“However we must be more ruthless in pressing home our advantage and not allow teams back into the game.”

This week Thorns are again in Merit Table action at home to Bristol Saracens thirds.