THORNBURY were awarded the match points for their Western Counties North league match with Spartans when the Gloucester team failed to raise a side for the game at Rockhampton Road on Saturday.

Although this gives Thornbury two valuable points, it denies them the opportunity to address the points difference which may be a crucial factor in deciding final league positions at the end of the season.

Spartans were deducted two points for failing to field a team and remain rooted to the foot of the table. Thornbury are two positions above them and remain in one of the three relegation places.

The match, which was due to be sponsored by Ray Tyrell of ALE and RT Pub Co, is unlikely to be rescheduled, thus also denying Thornbury of income from sponsorship, gate takings and the bar.