XAMAX BARLA NATIONAL CUP FINAL
SATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2016
MYTON WARRIORS 14 THORNHILL TROJANS 17
AT BIG FELLA STADIUM, FEATHERSTONE ROVERS RLFC

A drop goal from man of the match Danny Ratcliffe, one minute from full time was enough to take the pressure off Thornhill Trojans and allow them to wind down the clock. This had been an epic battle but when the full time whistle went it was Thornhill Trojans who were lifting the prestigious BARLA National Cup for the first time in their history.

This was a momentous game in the proud history of Thornhill Trojans and the 17 players on will now become legends of Thornhill in the passage of time.

Backed by a very large and vocal following, the Trojans made the perfect start to this final. A high kick on the last tackle in front of the Myton posts came down. Jake Wilson read the situation perfectly to allow play to continue. With Danny Ratcliffe up in support, Wilson sent out a short pass which put him over between the posts for a try. Sam Ratcliffe converted.

Shortly after this score Thornhill were forced to reshuffle when Liam Morley went to the floor clearly in some discomfort after been struck to the chest with an elbow. Eventually Morley was helped to his feet but had to retire from play. His replacement was Luke Haigh and a reshuffled Trojans team looked to press forward.

It was a high tackle on Luke Haigh the presented Sam Ratcliffe with the opportunity to kick a penalty goal. The 2 points were taken. Now leading 8-0 Thornhill were playing with confidence.

But Myton were no push overs and played some very good rugby. Myton worked the ball at speed along the attacking line. The Thornhill defence was over stretched and an overlap was created. Winger Lee James darted over for an unconverted try in the corner.

Thornhill responded to this with a try of their own. Play was worked up field after Danny Ratcliffe had intercepted a Myton pass. When the try line came within reach Luke Haigh sent out a lofted pass which picked out Sam Ratcliffe perfectly. Sam Ratcliffe collected the pass and scored an unconverted try in the corner.

The Trojans then had a perfect opportunity to gain a strong foothold on the game. With play on the last tackle Danny Ratcliffe caught out the Myton defence out by opting to chip forward. Ratcliffe collected the ball and passed to the chasing James Craven. The ball bounced off Craven’s chest and the move broke down.

In the lead up to half time Myton once again tested the Trojans. The ball was kicked out to the wing and Lee James pounced to score his second try of the game. Ash James converted to narrow Thornhill’s half time lead to just 2 points.

Thornhill coach James Ratcliffe chose to keep his players out on the field during the half time break. This was in accordance with his plan to ensure his players treated this game like any other and not get wrapped up in the occasion.

The second half was a really tense affair with neither side giving an inch. The only real error came when a high kick was fumbled by the Myton full back. Thornhill appeared to have got the ball over the try line but the referee ruled knock on.

As the game entered its closing phase Myton took the lead for the first time. A high kick came down in the in goal area. Thornhill failed to deal with the kick and Lee James plucked the ball out of the air to make the grounding and complete his hat-trick. The goal was missed but the Hull team now had a two point lead.

This left Thornhill with little more than 10 minutes left on the clock to try and salvage the situation. James Craven made a break which took Thornhill forward. The Trojans then forced Myton to have to drop out from under their own posts. Play restarted and Jake Wilson made a good run down the middle of the field. The ball was worked out to George Stott. Stott powered into the attacking line and the Myton defence couldn’t prevent him from grounding the ball to score a vital try for Thornhill. The goal was missed and it was Thornhill who now had a slender 2 points lead.

With a minute left to play Danny Ratcliffe booted over a drop goal. This forced Myton to restart play by giving the ball back to Thornhill. This allowed Thornhill to wind the clock down.

The full time whistle went and it sparked wild celebrations amongst the Thornhill ranks.

Match Facts
Myton Warriors 14
(Black, Green & Red)
1) Ryan Marrazza
2) Anthony Wheeldon
3) Ryan Walker
4) Jordan Precious
5) Lee James 3 Tries
6) Ash James 1 Goal
7) Kris Walker
8) Richard Dunham
9) Wes Newton
10) Lee Fewlass
11) Nick Halstead
12) Rory Neilson
13) James Jennison
Subs:
14) Liam Ward
15) Joe Dewsbury
16) James Johnson
17) Stuart Oades

Thornhill Trojans 17
(Maroon & White)
1) James Craven
2) George Woodcock
3) Liam Green
4) George Stott 1 Try
5) Sam Ratcliffe 1 Try & 2 Goals
6) Liam Morley
7) Danny Ratcliffe 1 Try & 1 Drop Goal
8) Lee Smith
9) Josh Clough
10) Anthony Harris
11) Rob Kelly
12) Jake Wilson
13) Jake Ratcliffe
Subs:
14) Luke Haigh
15) Jake Hickling
16) Joss Ratcliffe
17) Gareth Love

Referee – Tony Martin
Man of the Match – Danny Ratcliffe

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