Old Patesians U-16 25 Thornbury U-16 17

THORNBURY Under-16s were denied a rare cup double losing the Gloucestershire Cup Final to a powerful Old Patesians side at Hartpury College. A loss of momentum following an injury to a Thornbury player when in control of the game meant they were unable to add silverware to the Bristol Combination Junior Cup won in February.

Thornbury began well when wing Louis Ogilvie capitalised on a defensive error to shrug off two defenders and score in the corner. Old Pats equalised then Ogilvie scored a second, showing good determination once more to score out wide. Jake Wood converted with an excellent kick and gave Thornbury a 12-5 lead. Thorns were taking control but good defence kept them out and there was no further score in the first half.

The game changed at the start of the second half. Old Pats kicked off but in challenging for the ball prop Tom Viles fell awkwardly and the game was stopped for him to have treatment. However, it became clear this could be a serious injury and an ambulance was called. Thankfully, his injury was not serious. Both sides were then moved to the adjoining 3G pitch and the game re-started in an unnatural cage around an artificial pitch.

Thornbury never got going. The loss of their team-mate clearly had a major impact. The momentum was lost and Old Pats seized the opportunity to get back into the game. A penalty reduced the lead then a converted try eased the Cheltenham side ahead.

Skipper Kieron Wilson scored an excellent forward try to regain the lead for Thornbury but another penalty put Old Pats a point ahead at 18-17. With only a few minutes to go Old Pats intercepted a Thornbury attack and with the conversion extended the lead to 25-17.