End of season fun at Thornbury

The tourists were staying in Bristol before heading to Liverpool to continue their end of season celebrations. Thornbury built their side around the Second XV and brought in players from the Thirds and there were also a couple of first teamers needing games. The team also welcomed back Dan Hussey after his sabbatical in New Zealand, and Daniel Martin, who had not played for twenty years. Prop Ryan Neville made his debut in a Thornbury shirt.

Vardre began well with a well-worked try within ninety seconds. It looked as though this would be a difficult evening for Thorns but the backs got plentiful possession and with Josh Panting and James Donohue particularly elusive with ball in hand their account was opened when Donny stretched out of a tackle for a fine try. Tom Williams converted for 7-7.

That remained the score for the rest of the half, but with Thornbury playing downhill and some of the Vardre players getting on the nerves of referee Tony Swash Thorns went ahead early in the second half when Josh Panting danced through the defence to score. Prop Johnny Heaven was given the task of converting and made a good but unsuccessful attempt.

The game was won midway through the half when good hands created space for Jim Pullin to come in on a fine line and score in the corner, his first try for Thornbury in over 20 seasons! Tom Williams converted.

The game ended shortly afterwards with Thornbury comfortable winners at 19-7.

It had been an enjoyable match with Vardre kicking off their tour with cause for several swift beers at the club afterwards. Thornbury’s man of the match was Ollie Fleming, and he had the honour of competing with a substantial Vardre prop as to who could down a beer the fastest. Despite Ollie’s experience as a brewery representative he had barely consumed the crust of his beer before his opponent was placing an empty glass on his head.

Thornbury scorers: tries – James Donohue, Josh Panting and Jim Pullin; conversions – Tom Williams (2)