THORNBURY'S league campaign ended with a disappointing defeat at Barton Hill in an error-strewn match. Their two second half tries were not enough to overhaul the four scored by the hosts before the break.
Barton Hill attacked from the kick off and were close to scoring but Thorns were able to clear and play moved from end to end in an exciting period.
Midway through the half Thorns lost concentration and Barts winger Ross Baker kicked over the defence and scored a converted try.
Thornbury worked their way back into home territory and Simon Weaver was bundled into touch in the corner. A minute later a poor Thornbury pass went adrift and winger Joe Sansum raced down the touchline for a second converted try.
Barton Hill began to find holes in the Thornbury defence. Their fullback split the Thornbury defence and another try was scored. Barts’ tails were up and from the restart they pressurised the Thornbury line. Eventually Baker scored a further try. Barton Hill led 28-0 at the interval.
Two minutes after the match restarted a Dai Matthews kick confused the Barton Hill defence and Ollie Fleming followed up and forced his way over for the try. Weaver converted.
Three minutes later Jon Day took a quick penalty and passed to Matthews who powered through three defenders to score a second try. Weaver converted and the initiative and momentum had swung to Thorns. They had Barton Hill on the rack but they failed to make opportunities count. Dan Hussey, Sam Olde and Fleming had runs but Thorns were unable to break through again and as the match drew to a close the Barton Hill pack kept play tight preventing Thornbury possession.
Close to full time Thornbury wing Dan Hussey was tackled into touch by the corner flag. Seconds later, the referee blew for fulltime and ended Thornbury’s season - a frustrating one that promised much but ultimately delivered little.
Thornbury Scorers: Tries - Fleming, Matthews. Conversions - Weaver (2).
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