Young Thorns blown away Cleve Second XV 34 Thornbury 7 A Thornbury development XV lost to Cleve at The Hayfields in a game which had far more positives than a 34-7 defeat would immediately suggest.

The Thornbury team, which consisted of first, second and Colts team players, had a startlingly youthful feel to it. The Cleve Second XV included a number of first team players and offered a stiff challenge but Thornbury never gave up and fought with the same commitment in the last minute as the first.

Facing a gale-force wind, Thornbury's defence was critically examined from the kick off. Eventually pressure told and a Cleve player dived on a loose ball behind the Thornbury line to open the scoring. Cleve added three further first half tries without reply.

Thornbury briefly threatened midway through the half and although Kevin Rudman, Steve Smith and Jo Jackson were prominent in attack their attempts to score proved fruitless.

Trailing 22-0, Thorns started the second half with the elements behind them.

Rich Pearce, who had moved to outside half, kicked deep into the Cleve '22'.

Thornbury attacked and after good play by the Pearce twins, Jo Jackson took the ball at pace in space, and crossed for a good try which Rich Pearce converted.

The Cleve forwards prevented Thornbury having decent ball to play with, although scrum half Jack Pearce cleared the ball away with efficiency and accuracy.

Late in the game, the muscular home pack barged over for two further tries as some of the Thornbury players began to tire.

Despite conceding six tries, all the Thornbury players should be proud of their contribution. The backs looked creative, and the back row almost tackled themselves to a standstill. The youngsters gave coach Tony O'Brien plenty to take from the game.

Scorers: Try - Jo Jackson Con - Rich Pearce