Thornbury 21  Melbourne 7 - (23rd April 05)

Melbourne arrived for  their tour match  and were quickly into their stride. Their forwards were winning the ball and the backs moving it to the wings but Thornbury were resolute in their tackling and kept the game tight. Blake, Jenkins and Whittaker led the way with strong defence and the forwards were gaining ground in the mauls. Melbourne opened the scoring with a clever break on the blind side transferring the ball inside to open up a lead which was held till half time (0-7). Thornbury took a little time to get their rhythm going, but soon started to attack and equalised the score from a tapped penalty with Whittaker putting a charging determined Rehman away to muscle over the line, Jenkins converted (7-7). With both teams making substitutions it was fly half Jenkins, pressurising his opposite number, who intercepted a pass to score and then convert his own try (14-7). Whittaker gained possession from loose play and put Bradley in at the corner to seal the match (21-7). The forwards , particularly in the scrum, dominated and the backs with Dibble making the extra man from full back always threatened.

Link to Melbourne photos

 Thornbury 0  Ivybridge 21 - (23rd April 05)

As Ivybridge had beaten Melbourne, Thornbury had known this game was going to be hard particularly in the wet and muddy conditions. Melbourne showed their class and soon had Thornbury under pressure with some open rugby. Winger Moore made three telling tackles to halt his opposite number. Thornbury made best use of the tight pitch to bundle Melbourne attacks when clear overlaps were made. Whittaker had a good solo break from the base of the scrum and having run most of the field was caught by the full back and the ball cleared to touch. The forwards of Ridge, Welsh, Jones, Jackson and Finch competed gainfully but eventually the Thornbury defence was breached, and once ahead a confident Ivybridge went on to score two further converted tries to win the match 21-0.

 

Gloucestershire County  Plate Finals (17th April) 

Having qualified for the finals day, Thornbury were drawn against Stroud in the semi final. After a tentative start, Thornbury made the breakthrough when Smith and Jackson won the ball from loose play and the ball passed down the backs through Whittaker, Jenkins, Blake, and Carter for Dibble, joining the line from full back, to score in the corner. The forwards of Jackson, Smith, Bradley, Rehman and Pope started to assert themselves and win ball for the backs, who were finding space out wide. In a virtual repeat of the first try,  crisp handling along the backs put centre Blake into space to score an unconverted try (10-0). At the start of the second half Jackson came close but Stroud managed to reef the ball away over their own try line. From the relieving kick, Pope won the lineout and the pack mauled the ball infield for Finch to peel off the back to score Thornbury's third try, which was converted by Jenkins (17-0). The Thornbury forwards were totally dominant and even when Stroud won possession, half backs Whittaker and Jenkins pressurised them into mistakes. Thornbury won through to the final to face Clifton.

The final started disastrously for Thornbury , the kick-off was caught by Clifton's biggest forward who ran the ball back to score (0-7). Even worse was to follow when the restart was caught by the same player who repeated the score (0-14). Thornbury were even further behind when the outside centre sold three dummies to put his side with an unassailable lead at half time (0-21). Thornbury had only their pride and their self belief to play for and started to  knuckle down to the task. At the start of the second half Clifton added fourth converted try and then rapidly faded out of the match as Thornbury got to grips with the game. The scrummage, which had been steady, consistently shoved their Clifton counterparts and the forwards  started to battle and show spirit. Pope and Jackson challenged at the lineout and Bradley and Smith competed in the loose. Scrum half Whittaker was the pick of the players with a gutsy performance from the base of the scrum and Jenkins tackled and kicked sensibly from fly half. Thornbury came close on three occasions but Clifton just had enough to deny Thornbury a deserved score, and were worthy winners of the County Plate final. 

                                                 Link to Gloucester Finals photos

 

Thornbury Tournament - (3rd April)

Thornbury had high hopes in this tournament as they had won it for the last 2 years and were off to a promising start with a 10-0 win over North Petherton. Scrum half Whittaker opened the scoring a  blindside dart from the base of a scrum. Rehman added a second from a short throw to the front of a lineout, and then barging his way over. Carter looked lively at outside centre

In the second match Thornbury overcame Yatton 15-0. An early drive saw the forwards driving towards the line through Rehman and Ridge, and when the ball worked loose Welch reacted quickest to dot the ball down for a try. The second try came from a tapped penalty with Bradley charging forward, aided by Finch, to score. Downman  ran powerfully on several occasions from fullback. However, but it was a classic handling move involving Whittaker and Jenkins that put winger Thompson in the corner to score the third try.

Frampton were the next opponents and proved sterner opposition. Initially Frampton dominated in the forwards, securing set scrum and lineout ball allowing their backs to gain ground but spirited tackling from Thornbury held the attacks at bay. However, Frampton went ahead scoring the only try of the match to win (5-0). Thornbury attacked throughout the second half but Frampton held on to their well earned victory.

The final match was against Hucclecote (eventual winners). Hucclecote started well and looked confident but Thornbury held their ground and managed to counterattack through Pope and Bradley. In the second half Thornbury turned the game around and were consistently attacking and playing their best rugby of the day but the Hucclecote defence held firm. Thornbury were disappointed to finish third having played a good standard of rugby all day and only conceded one try.

 Link to Thornbury Tournament photos

 

 Thornbury Gloucester Cup Qualification- (13th March 05)

 

 Thornbury were always going to have their work cut out against last year’s champions (Cheltenham) and runners up (Cirencester) in a very strong pool and so it proved. Starting against, Cheltenham the kick off ball was dropped and Cheltenham regain the ball and then move the ball along the backs to score in the opposite corner (0-7).  The forwards competed well but Cheltenham had the edge in the backs and pressurised Thornbury into several handling mistakes. Strong running from Carter and Rose saw Thornbury come close but the final pass went astray. Cheltenham looked in control and Smith saved a further score holding  the Ball up over his own line. However from the resulting 5m scrum Cheltenham went further ahead  scoring on the blind site to run out winners (0-14).

Against Cirencester, the match proved to be a forward struggle and Thornbury were driving well in the scrums but weren't able to compete with the opposition on equal terms elsewhere on the pitch.  Thornbury gave away a penalty following a strong run from Cirencester winger - and a quick tap saw Cirencester take the lead (0-7). Fly half Jenkins was outstanding with his tackling and winning loose possession but was not particularly well supported by the rest of the team.  The Cirencester forwards combined well to drive to the line to further increase their lead to a match winning score (0-14).

 Disappointed from their last result Thornbury qualified for the plate competition were determined to win the quarter final. The forwards started well and Jackson and Smith nearly forged a opening score. From the ensuing play Rehman put Thornbury ahead with a tenacious run taking on most of the Brockworth forwards him over the line. The try was converted by Jenkins (7-0). Whittaker was in the thick of the action with darts from the back of the rucks and scrums, Bradley carried the ball in the backs and  Pope secured some good lineout ball.  Thornbury were still attacking and held up over the line when the final whistle went but the qualified for a semi final to be played in April.

                                                                                          Link to Gloucester Cup photos

 

 Thornbury 10  Leamington 15 - (12th March 05)

 Thornbury lost the match with Carter and Jackson scoring for the home team

 

 Thornbury 5  Cleve 14 - (6th March 05)

The Thornbury B teams put up a very spirited performance and competed with passion despite a lack of experience in the forwards. Cleve took an early lead against the run of play (0-7). Carter and Rose had some strong runs into the Cleve half and Moore tested the Cleve defence with some good runs from fullback from well fielded balls by Thompson. However to often Thornbury turned the ball over in loose play giving possession to the opposition. However, the scrum was solid and outperformed their opposition consistently with Finch, Rehman, Bolton and Newman providing the power and Welsh made some good tackles. Thornbury were caught napping and failed to tackle one of the big Cleve forwards who barged through the defence to score (0-14). The Thornbury half backs of Downman and Carter were at the centre of most of the Thornbury creative play and Carter scored the try of the match from a scrum against the head, sprinting clear down the touchline to jink inside, cut through the midfield and score in the opposite corner (5-14). 

 Link to Cleve photos

 

 Thornbury 0  Cleve 28 - (6th March 05)

Cleve proved too tricky for the Thornbury team as they were very well drilled and worked together as a team. They possessed some big forwards and a tall second row forward who was to dominate the lineouts but Thornbury showed spirit in adversity and dominated the driving mauls. Whittaker, Bradley and Jackson were the pick of the Thornbury team with fly half Jenkins launching the backs and clearing to touch efficiently. Dibble at full back collected the ball and ran it back with confidence. Poor tackling allowed the Cleeve forwards in to score and this was followed by a second shortly afterwards (0-14).  Cleeve possessed a lively scrum half and he broke down the touchline to further increase the score 0-21). Thornbury put together some consistent pressure and were unlucky to held up over the line on two occasions. From a kick forward in a Cleeve attack, Thornbury were caught outnumbered and Cleeve surged through to scored a fourth try to complete a good win (0-28).

 

 Thornbury 28  Avon 7 - (20th February 05)

With both teams having a squad on the day of 14, it was decided to play with the addition of 2 flankers to the normal 12  a side. The match was evenly contested at the start with both teams probing and testing each other but Thornbury started to assert themselves through the forwards. The backs steadily gained ground with Blake and Rose running well on the wider extremities. Clever play from fly half Adams and centre Blake created an opportunity for Whittingham to score in the corner (7-0). Jackson and Pope dominated in the lineout and flankers Smith and Whittaker put in some good tackling around the fringes. Thornbury showed some enterprise with a counter attack from their own line with Adams looping Dibble and then running  the length of the pitch to score (14-0).  From a tapped penalty Jackson took on the defence with a typical barging run and Whittaker was on hand  to score (21-0).

Early in the second half Whitaker added a second try from a 5 yd scrum and Thornbury looked to have the match won( 28-0). However, Avon raised their game and started to put together some good moves. This culminated in their break away converted try when Thornbury spilled possession on a counter attack and Avon were able to take quick advantage  to surge up the field to score their opening try(28 -7). From an injury substitution requiring positional changes, Thornbury were caught out on an undefended blind side as Avon scored their second try (28-14). The Thornbury front row of Ridge, Finch and Jones provided a solid scrummage  and disrupted Avon sufficiently in this phase of play to deny them quality ball and therefore limited their opportunities further. Some good groundwork was laid for the forthcoming Gloucester cup ties.                                                   Link to Avon photos

 

 Thornbury 46  Gordano 0 - (13th February 05)

Thornbury overwhelmed Gordano - the pack secured most of the possession and with the backs on fire, Thornbury ran in 7 tries - Adams, Carter, Jackson(2), Whittaker (2), Dibble with Adams converting 2 and Dibble 4.

 

 Thornbury 0  Wells 5 - (6th February 05)

The wet weather and muddy pitch indicated this was going to be a battle amongst the forwards and so it turned out. The Thornbury forwards had the bulk of possession throughout the match and early in the first half is was good kicking from the Wells fly half that alleviated the pressure, ensuring Thornbury had to build from deep up the slope. Ridge and Pope carried the ball forward taking on the defence laying the ball back for the backs. However, at times the ball stayed with individuals rather than moving wider to exploit gaps at the edge of play. At the end of the first half Thornbury produced crisp handling down the backs and winger Downman, always a danger, was thrust into touch by the try line. Turning around at half time Thornbury best use of the pitch had all the play and enterprise but could not score. Jones and Bradley were good in the loose and Blake ran well at outside centre. The Thornbury scrum was solid and opponents were pushed off the ball on several occasions with hooker Finch winning the ball against the head. Tackling on both sides was of a high standard with Wittingham and Stephens outstanding for Thornbury. However, Thornbury were caught on the break and Wells scored a converted try from virtually their only foray into the Thornbury half. Play was frantic as the final whistle approached and in Thornbury’s final effort Bradley was held up over the line.                             Link to Wells photos

 

Thornbury 14    St Brendans  21- (6th February 05)

Thornbury started this match with a changed team and quickly found themselves behind when St Brendans took advantage of a dropped pass to open the score with a converted try (0-7). From a scrum against the head close to the Thornbury line, St Brendans further increased their lead (0-14) and had added a third try after open play (0-21). Thornbury made a few substitutions at half term, and this resulted in winning quality ball and, with the backs to creating opportunities, Thornbury started to claw back the lead. Clean lineout possession and quick passing along the backs saw Downman score, a try converted by Jenkins (7-21). This was followed by a second try when Jenkins made a break but was tackled short of the line and quick recycled ball put Blake in to score. The try was again was converted by Jenkins (14-21). Thornbury were on top but the comeback was finished by the final whistle.

 

 Thornbury 21 Frampton 0 - (16th January 05)

Thornbury were quickly into their stride and some from some good attacks put pressure consistently on. Pope and Jackson competed well in the lineout and provided possession against the throw, and quick passing down the line saw centre Blake outflank the defense to score. The try was converted by Jenkins (7-0). For a similar position Ridge won the next lineout and crisp handling down the backs put winger Rose away to cut inside, link with centre Adams and forward Bradley was on hand to drive the ball over the line to further increase the lead with   Jenkins converting (14-0). Thornbury had the ascendancy with some excellent tackling and mauling but the Frampton forwards ensured their team were never out of the match. From a 5 yd scrum, scrum half Carter broke blindside with a determined run to score, Jenkins converting once again (21-0).  

 

 Thornbury 21 Frampton 12 - (16th January 05)

As 2 further squads took to the field, Frampton took an early lead when their fly half scored from a weaving run catching the Thornbury defenders flat footed to open the scoring with an unconverted try (0-5). Frampton were dominant but the Thornbury tackling was more evident than previous weeks. Downman can close to scoring on two occasions but the swarming Frampton defence was sufficient to hold him up. Fullback Sullivan put in a try saving tackle before Frampton went further ahead catching Thornbury on the break with a well crafted try (0-12). In the second half Thornbury gained confidence and when forwards Collins, Finch, Scaplehorn, Welsh and Finch contrived to win a scrum against the head, livewire scrumhalf Whittaker, always in the thick of the action, produced the reward of a try, converted by Dibble (7-12). Immediately from the restart Stephens fielded the ball, evaded tackles before putting winger Ford away. He was tackled short of the line but from the ensuing loose ball, Freston was on hand to dive on the ball to score. The conversion by Dibble saw Thornbury take a lead for the first time in the match (14-12). Ridge made his presence felt when he barged over for Thornbury third try, once again converted by Dibble (21-12).

Both matches were played with plenty of spirit, keenly contested and some excellent running rugby was played much to the delight of the spectators.

Link to Frampton photos

 

Thornbury 24  Drybrook 35 - (9th January 05)

With a squad of 20 for this match, Thornbury elected to start  with their best team and with the wind and slope in their favour. The early exchanges favoured Thornbury and In a piece of classic mauling, Bradley took the ball off Jackson to break for the line and Jackson was on hand to take the return pass to open the scoring for the home team. Dibble converted (7-0). The lead was short lived as the Drybrook fly half broke blind from a scrum to score despite full back Moore's tackle. The score was levelled up with the conversion (7-7). Jackson crashed over for his second unconverted try (12-7). The Thornbury pack, in particular Jackson, Bradley and Smith were able to win plenty of ball and half backs Carter and Dibble were able to set centre Adams on his way to score 2 further tries, one converted by Dibble giving a comfortable half time lead (24-7). Full back Moore was promising in counter attacks from full back and winger Rose showed determination on one wing and Whittingham some good tackling on the other.

The second half saw Thornbury used 8 substitutions to allow all their squad to play. Drybrook took full advantage of the situation and with the elements in the favour ran in 4 converted tries to win the match (24-35). Thornbury only managed brief forays into the Drybrook half. Stephens, Finch and Ford tackled well but the forwards lacked the experience.

Link to Drybrook photos

 

 Thornbury  19  Yatton 5 - (12 Dec 04)

Thornbury divided their large squad into 2 teams (Lions and Tigers) to play Yatton who had traveled with a relatively small squad. Yatton had a bright start and played well as a team, with their forwards on top. The Thornbury side took time to gel and steadily improved. A poor tap in lineout near the Thornbury line saw a Yatton forward react quickest to pounce on the ball to score the opening and unconverted try (0-5). However, good defending and tackling in the forwards from Ridge, Finch, Cockerton and Rehman stifled the attacks and Thornbury started to grow with confidence. From a penalty Adams put Jackson in to level the match and then go ahead when Jenkins converted. (7-5. From an attacking lineout, scrum half Ford had to retreat to recover the ball but was able to pass to Adams who took on the defense, before putting Rose away to dart into the corner, the try was converted by Jenkins (14-5).  A strong run from Pope was well supported by Jackson who bulldozed his way to the try line to increase the lead still further with a Jenkins conversion (21-5). However, Yatton struck back on the counter attack, winning a penalty and taking it quickly to claim the last converted score of the match. (21-12). Relative newcomers Boulton, Moore and Whittleton showed promise.                                              Link to Yatton photos

 

 Thornbury  33  Yatton 0 - (12 Dec 04)

The Tigers were coming off a good win against the Lions and were playing with a confidence yet to be seen this season. The forwards started to dominate in the scrum and loose. A Yatton infringement was punished by Dibble who took a quick tapped penalty to race through to open the scoring and then convert himself (7-0). Pressure on the Yatton half backs saw the ball become loose and Welsh just managed to get his fingertips to the ball for an unconverted score (12-0). Carter looked dangerous at scrum half and Bradley was the pick of the forwards, well supported in the front row by Smith and Jones

In the second half, the forwards were able to secure plenty of the ball to allow the backs and in particular Adams to cut loose. First he put Bradley in to score a well deserved try and then good work from Jones and Blake allowed Adams to finish the move off to score himself. Finally, Pope set the momentum going forward and Adams set the ball moving along the backs through  Bradley and Ford to put Blake in for a try. Jenkins converted all three tries and Thornbury ran out winners (33-0). Both teams had given the best displays of the season and with the Xmas break looming there is plenty of potential to have a better second half to the season.

 

 

 Thornbury 7  Painswick 21 - (5 Dec 04)

Previous meetings between these sides have ended in draws and this match promised to be close. Thornbury had the advantage of playing down the slope on a relatively narrow pitch; the match was mostly contested within the forwards. Jackson, Bradley, Whittaker, Welsh and Blake competed well in the loose and Thornbury drew first blood when hooker Smith emerged out of the side of a maul to race down the touchline, evading 2 tackles to score in the corner. Jenkins converted the try.

Painswick strength was in their forward pack and they consistently had the edge in the set scrums winning several against the head. However, the halfback pairing of Jenkins and Carter with centre Downman regularly pressurised the Painswick backs quickly halting their progress. In a physical match Thornbury had 2 injury replacements.

The second half was initially keenly contested with Painswick providing intense prolonged periods of goal line attacks and Thornbury holding out and defending well. Stephens try saving tackle was memorable. Eventually the Thornbury defence was caught out, on an undefended blind side for Painswick to equalise at 7-7. Painswick sensed their superiority and were able to move ahead when a Thornbury relieving kick missed touch finding the full back who launched a counter attack to score another converted try (7-14). Thornbury tired and some poor tackling allowed the fly half to spin around to score and leave the home team defeated 21-7. The team competed well, but needs to improve its fitness and tactical awareness.

 Link to Painswick photos

Thornbury A -  7  Painswick A -19 - (5 Dec 04)

A good proportion of the Thornbury team were new recruits to team this year and immediately from the kick off Painswick were 2 scores (12-0) ahead due to poor tackling. However, credit to the Thornbury side who started to compete with a some spirit putting the poor start behind them. In the pack the front row of Jones, Finch and Rehman scrumaged well and Pope secured good lineout possession. There was some excellent tackles from Freston, Scaplethorn and Collins. In the backs Dibble at fly half launched attacks with Rose and Sullivan gaining ground. However the try line eluded Thornbury. Painswick further added to their lead their backs to create space to sweep from their own half to score.   Jackson earned a consolation try for the home team, converted by Jenkins.

 Link to  Painswick photos

 

Keynsham 5   Thornbury 0  - (28 Nov 04)

A cold wet day at Keynsham on a full size pitch was a big challenge for Thornbury. Keynsham were well drilled as expected and the usual tight evenly contested match ensued. Keynsham just had the edge over Thornbury due to the better basic skills of gaining possession on the ground, tackling and positional awareness. In the backs Jenkins from fly half kicked astutely and got the backs going, Adams , Sullivan and Stephens attacked well  but lacked penetration and wingers Moore and Whittingham were busy in defence making some good tackles.  The forwards were led by Smith supported robustly in the loose by Jones and Ridge. Pope and Welsh obtained a steady supply of  lineout ball. Keynsham broke the deadlock in the scoreline, moving the ball down the backs to create an overlap for the winger to score.

Link to Keynsham photos

Wellington 7   Thornbury 5  - (28 Nov 04)

Having lost to Keynsham, Thornbury hoped for a better result from the match but Wellington were a much improved team from that beaten earlier in the season at the Clifton tournament. From a scrum on the half way line, Keynsham attacked the on blind side and the scrum half evaded several tackle attempts to eventually score under the posts ensuring an easy conversion and a 7-0 lead. Wellington threatened consistently from the half backs but Thornbury defended well and the tackling improved. With the match in the dying seconds, Thornbury applied pressure to the Wellington defense and Smith was able to capitalize on a mistake to force himself  over the line to score. Adams was unable to make the conversion from a difficult angle.

Link to Wellington photos

Aretians 0   Thornbury 35  - (7 Nov 04)

Thornbury proved too powerful for this Aretians side and ran in 5 tries. Jackson ran in three tries after some good work from Pope and Sullivan. The further 2 tries were scored by Carter and Stephens. Jenkins converted all 5 tries.

 

Thornbury  21   St Brendans 0  - (7 Nov 04)

Thornbury have always had close matches with St Brendans but were able to outscore them scoring 2 tries without reply. A good run from Stephens allowed Sullivan to score, and then Carter scored the second before Jackson killed the match off with a third. Jenkins converted all three.

In a second match, the score was 10-10 with the Thornbury tries scored by Moore and Finch, both scoring their first tries for the Club!

Monmouth 35   Thornbury 5  - (24 Oct 04)

Thornbury travelled to Wales at half term with a depleted side to play a combined Monmouth under 12 and under 13 team. The physical difference was too much for the Thornbury side and conceded 7 tries with Thornbury solitary try from Jenkins from a superbly quick penalty. Welsh had a good game.

Clifton Tournament  - (3 Oct 04)

A mixed day competing in the Clifton tournament. This was also their first match of the season and id didn’t start too well when they were soundly beaten by a lively, well-drilled Cheltenham team (who won the tournament) in the opening match 35-0. The display was marked by poor tackling and positioning positional sense, which allowed the opposition to gain ground and then outflank the defense.

Thornbury fared better in the second match against local rivals St Mary’s. A good Stephens run from full back led to Ford being held up over the line, but Jackson was on hand to win the ball and twist over to put Thornbury ahead 7-0. In atrocious conditions the match was dominated by forward play and a good Jackson run was taken on by Bradley and scrum half Ford was able to pick up and dart down the touchline to score. Both tries converted by Jenkins, and Thornbury ran out winners 14-0.

Next up was a match against Wellington. Thornbury were quickly off the mark to apply pressure and from a quickly taken penalty Downman scored in the corner. Adams further increased the lead winning a spilled ball in midfield. Jenkins converted both tries and Thornbury led 14-0. In the second half Thornbury missed too many tackles and gave away penalties but defended well but qualified for the Shield final by securing second place in their group.

The Shield final was against old adversaries Keynsham and Thornbury started well with their forwards on top. Keynsham defended well and used sensible kicking to relieve pressure. However, the poor tacking theme continued as one of the big Keynsham forwards scored twice to put Thornbury on the back foot. Good play from Carter and Bradley saw the play switch suddenly from defense to attack and from a quickly taken penalty by Smith, Bradley scored a well deserved try by the corner flag. However, Thornbury lost out 14-7 and finished the day in 4^th position from an original field of 10 teams.

Link to tournament photos