Following a two week lay off, Carnforth got back to playing ways and also back to winning ways with a convincing victory over a gallant Thornton side who battled to the very end. This was a completely different Thornton squad who ran us close at their ground earlier in the season but with their first team entertaining top of the league Tarleton, Thornton travelled with a weakened squad. Carnforth themselves had struggled all week for a squad of players with still a few missing due to injury and work. Jason Waterhouse, Jason Short, Jack Edmondson, Sam Griffiths, Dale Lowrie and Shaun Hodgson all missing. In Came two debutants Stephen Wilkinson and Ben Houssen to the squad, Martin Pike started at prop, a welcome return to the side for Joe Harrison and club legend Phil Metcalfe.
The pitch was in fine playing order and Carnforth were confident of a decent victory to try and boost their points difference as we start getting towards the business end of the season.
Thornton had a squad of determined players, we lent them assistance during the game with Steve Mallett, Sam Tomlinson and Matti Davenport all wearing the Thornton colours. Even when the referee yellow carded the Thornton stand off, Skipper Shane Weed asked for the referee to change his decision.
The try scoring started early with Mathew Short giving the final ball to Metcalfe who powered through for another try to be added to his ongoing list. Dave Hones and Wilkinson combined next to allow Short to score his first of the day. Hones then scored the third try inside ten minutes, the old one two at the front of a line out with Weed saw the hooker sprint away to score a try. Dan Blenkharn was leading the charge from number 8 and his quick penalty move saw flanker Tomas grab a well earned try. He and Mike on the flanks worked tremendously all afternoon and must have both been close to man of the match.
Short glided through the defence from half way and also added the conversion as Carnforth took a 27 nil lead. Back came Thornton with their hard running number 8 and a couple of lively half backs who all had great games. Tomlinson scored for Carnforth as he showed a turn of pace with the extras being added by Short.
Full back Nathan OConnor then came into the game with a typical try from deep before Tomas grabbed a second try of the half, Short converting both. The final play of the half saw OConnor and Short link up to allow Wilkinson to sprint through for a debut try. Short added the two for a 55 - 0 half time lead.
Harrison evened the game up as he had a 10 minute break as referees clamp down on the high challenges. Tomas turned provider in the second half as he linked with Short as the centre grabbed a hat trick and his 19th try of the season, conversion added. Thornton refused to lie down and every credit is due to these players who never gave up. Their rewards came with two well worked tries plus a conversion as they rattled up 12 points onto the scoreboard.
Houssen was able to grab a debut try as he went through from the centres before Wilkinson took the ball down the flank for a second try following excellent work by Blenkharn. Short adding the extras to Houssens try.
The final play of the game saw OConnor grab his second try and another superb solo effort as the full back showed his excellence to score under the posts, Short adding two to finish with a personal tally of 31.
Thanks to Thornton and good luck for the season.
Carnforth - this weekend we travel to Preston - please all be available.
Committee - meeting wednesday night 730pm - please all attend.