Thornhill Trojans (H)

Clayton kicked off the winter, Pennine League season with a hard fought but ultimately comfortable victory against Thornhill Trojans. 

With several new players in the match day squad for Clayton, the only worry was if Clayton's new enterprising, attacking structures bear fruit and the answer was a resounding yes, come full time. The defence which had somewhat disappeared in recent times, especially within the Yorkshire Men’s League summer season was back to it’s hard hitting best, as Thornhill, despite great effort at times and a willing nature, could not find a way through despite constant pressure at times. 

Thornhill took the lead after a rare mistake by Michael Cunliffe in defence, and they had further early pressure to press home that advantage. Clayton fought back though, playing down the hill in the first stanza, with firstly a show and go by Jake Barnes, which deceived the defence, before a fantastic side-step at the line by Kieron Baker, putting them in front. 

A set move from deep inside Clayton’s own territory then resulted in Simon Giles, who was excellent in his unaccustomed position of full back, go half the length of the field to score besides the posts. Jake Barnes finally knocking over his first conversion and the half time score read 14-4 in Clayton’s favour. 

Much like they had in the first half, Thornhill started the stronger and threw everything at the Clayton defence within the first 10 minutes of the half. They were rewarded and scored out wide, but to Clayton’s credit, they forced mistakes from the visitors and began to dominate the territory once more. After a spell of resistance, Simon Giles broke the line to score, to push the lead back out to a two score game and then Kieron Baker, solid, destructive and dominant in the middle, got on the end of a neat chip through by Devon Gurney to put Clayton well clear. The action dried up, but the home side were always the more likely to score further points. They did, eventually, again on the back of a great set move, as the ball was passed through the hands for Jamie Waterman to storm over.

The remainder of the game was played out in controlled fashion and Clayton got the season off to a successful, satisfying start. Final Score - Clayton 30 Thornhill 8.

The Clayton side played with a vigour and control, which satisfied coach Shaun Barnes and he was equally impressed by the rock-solid defence, which never allowed the Thornhill side to get comfortable and have a foothold in the game. 

MOM:
1st - Kieron Baker
2nd - Jake Barnes
3rd - Simon Giles