She scored a brace in each half with the Thornbees accuracy and discipline superior on the day.

After a disappointing performance in defeat at North Bristol last month the Thornbees began far better with the dominant early stages played in the home half. Tackling was hard from both sides with Sharon Kingsland-Wain clattered and replaced by Steph Bennett early on. Forrest was fine and came back on later.

The Thornbees kept up the pressure and controlled possession then Bobbie Jackson broke from halfway and outpaced the home defence to score the opening try. The conversion missed but it was a great start for the girls.

Cath Preston had to go off after catching the ball in her face and Cath Fishlock came on. With play now in the Thornbees’ half the Harlequins ladies applied pressure and monopolised possession. The Thornbees tackling was too high and the bulky home forwards rumbled upfield and eventually a prop dashed over for the equalising score. Using rolling subs, Kyleigh Knott came on for Cath Fishlock a little later.

Shortly afterwards, Gemma Tyrrell broke clear on the ten metre line and headed for the posts. She was tracked by a wing and brought down inches short. The Bees were penalised but the Harlequins struggled to clear their lines. They were penalised close to their line and from a quick penalty Emma Nicholson powered over to put the Thornbees back ahead.

The Harlequins Ladies threatened again but when the ball went loose and Bobbie Jackson was given an inch of space out wide she showed the home defence a clean pair of heels and scored the Thornbees’ third try.

Emma Nicholson suffered a bang on the head at a collapsed scrum and failed a HIA test shortly before halftime. Ellis Whitelaw came on and the Thornbees led 15-5 at the break.

The second half saw the Thornbees build on their lead and control the game. Although there were some handling errors they managed the loose play well, with Sadie Giles outstanding and becoming increasingly influential minute by minute. Another try for the Bees was crucial to give them a clear margin and it was Sadie who finished off a move with great determination for the fourth try. Jo Dack was introduced to the game and Dani Telka took a breather on the touchline.

Leading 20-5 the Bees were well on top and deserving of their lead, but the Harlequins Ladies were committed and had some good ball carriers that continued to cause problems if given the chance to run. But the Bees were playing at a different tempo with Bobbie Jackson and Sadie Giles dominating play. Midway through the half Sadie took a quick penalty close to the Harlequins line and Bobbie went over for her hat-trick try. She celebrated with a back-flip.

With time running out the game was put beyond doubt when Ellis Whitelaw and Gemma Tyrrell created space which Bobbie Jackson exploited for the final try.

Trailing 30-5 the Harlequins mounted a grandstand finish but the Bees defence was as determined as it was in the first minute and they tackled hard to keep their line intact. They held out and ran out deserved winners.

This was an excellent team performance. The defence communicated well and there were no backward steps taken even when the game was won. The respect for the teammates is clear to see and a fine example to other teams. There were outstanding performances from Bobbie Jackson and Sadie Giles but also valid contributions from every other player. The next game is home to Dursley at the end of the month.

This was the first occasion one of Thornbury rugby club’s senior teams have played at Hardwicke & Quedgeley and after the game Gemma Tyrrell, Thornbees captain, presented the Hardwicke & Quedgeley club with a Thornbury RFC plaque.

Scorers: tries – Bobbie Jackson (4), Emma Nicholson and Sadie Giles

Team: Claire Brealey; Sharon Kingsland-Wain, Claire Kingston, Rachael Underwood, Gail Daniel; Gemma Tyrrell (c), Bobbie Jackson; Cath Preston, Elaine Romaeo, Lindsay Broughton, Dani Telka, Jo Johnson, Emma Nicholson, Sadie Giles, Laura Panting.
Replacements: Kyleigh Knott, Cath Fishlock, Jo Dack, Steph Bennett, Ellis Whitelaw