Lichfield 29 Thornbury 31

Thornbury concluded their pre-season with an all-action win over Lichfield.

It was an ideal test for Thornbury who were able to execute back moves against a well-organised defence, as well as being severely tested close to their own line. The teams shared ten tries with Sam McLaren grabbing two scores in the first half for Thorns.

Thorns kicked off and began the better and after ten minutes Thornbury attacked from a scrum in the Lichfield ‘22’ and after Tom Stolliday tied up midfield with a direct run crisp passing put Alfie Richardson through and he put Sam McLaren in at the flag.

The conversion missed then Lichfield equalised midway through the half when the right wing ran back a clearing kick and evaded two poor tackles to score an unconverted try.

The pace of Richardson saw Thorns regain the lead shortly afterwards when attacking from a scrum on the Thornbury ‘22’ space was created and Thornbury’s fullback raced through and cut inside the defence to score. Max Curtis converted for 12-5.

Lichfield scored next when their forwards barged over, then Thorns put McLaren in for his second try.

The forwards tried to batter their way over and created space out wide and a well-directed Curtis cross-kick found McLaren who scored. Curtis added the extras for 19-10. Lichfield had the last say of the half with a well-worked try scored by the left wing. Thorns led 19-15 at the interval.

Both sides made several changes to personnel during the game and early in the second half Lichfield’s influential replacement outside half scored a try between the posts and converted it to put his side 22-19 ahead.

Thorns had to defend for their lives for the rest of the third quarter and they kept their line intact. Then early in the final quarter Thorns regained the lead. Richardson and Chris Perrett made good ground and Jack Pickles tied up the defence on the line before a quick pass put Perrett into space and he fed inside to the supporting Ben Wood who crashed over.

The try went unconverted, then Thorns scored again when after the forwards drove from a lineout Pickles broke down the blind-side and sprinted fifteen metres to score in the corner. He converted his try from the touchline and with only a few minutes remaining Thorns led 31-22 and Lichfield needed to score twice to win

. They scored once, in last play, the conversion heralding the final whistle with Thorns 31-29 winners.

There is plenty to work on for the coaches and players ahead of the forthcoming league campaign, but this was a satisfying win on the road.

Thornbury open their league campaign on Saturday at home to Longlevens, who were promoted and won their Papa Johns Cup competition last season. Kick-off is 3:00 with Thornbury Vandals gathering for their annual get-together.