Trojans close on play-offs after Dudley Hill victory

Thornhill Trojans boosted their National Conference League Division One play off ambitions with a useful 36-16 victory over Dudley Hill.

The win ensures the Trojans keep pace with the other teams vying for the play off places.

Danny Ratcliffe returned and led the Trojans around the field in a terrific display, while man-of-the-match went to Ben Kendall who made some powerful runs into Dudley Hill territory.

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There were also good showings from George Stott and George Woodcock.

Danny Ratcliffe opened the scoring when he sold a cheeky dummy and ducked under a tackle to score.

Danny Ratcliffe crossed for his second try when he again prised open Dudley Hill with another dummy and raced 30 metres to score between the posts. Sam Ratcliffe converted.

Hill’s Anthony Huby was shown a yellow card for obstruction but it was while down to 12 men that the visitors replied, former Dewsbury Rams player Danny Samuels burrowing over from close range. Simon Sewell converted to cut Thornhill’s half-time lead to four points.

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Thornhill kicked out on the full at the start of the second half. Hill took possession and Samuels again caught Thornhill out to go over for a try, which Sewell converted.

Thornhill responded to thesetback perfectly and immediately cancelled out the try.

Hill lost the ball and George Stott was on hand to run onto the ball and go over for a try.

A lapse from Thornhill again allowed Hill back into the game as Liam Naven grabbed an unconverted try.

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Thornhill pressed ahead to secure victory by scoring four tries in the final 20 minutes.

Woodcock showed good strength to force his way over for an unconverted try.

Ben Kendall took possession and strode away on a rampaging run and over for a try that Sam Ratcliffe goaled.

Neil Wall was sin-binned for speaking out of turn following the try and Elliot Cousins was then yellow carded as Hill were reduced to 11 men.

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Sam Ratcliffe raced down the wing, covering half the length of the field to score.

Samuels spoke out of turn and, for the fourth time in the game, referee Tara Jones reached into her pocket to show a Dudley Hill player a yellow card.

In the final seconds, Woodcock twisted over to score and Sam Ratcliffe converted as the full time whistle blew.

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