A champion display as Trojans seal title

Selby Warriors 14

The champagne corks popped at full time in Overthorpe Park last Saturday as Thornhill Trojans celebrated clinching the Pennine League Division Three in style, writes Andrew Byram.

While the previous two encounters between the sides this season have been close affairs with the Trojans coming unstuck, the result of this game was never really in doubt.

Thornhill knew a draw would be enough to clinch the title and Selby needed a win to leap frog their hosts but in the end Thornhill were simply unstoppable.

The Trojans had too many players with big game experience and Anthony Broadhead led them to victory with a mature performance. Broadhead controlled play and had a hand in most things Thornhill did.

There was also a terrific effort from man-of-the-match Scott Woodcock who linked with the experienced Liam Morley to turn Selby inside out.

The first half was a close with Thornhill earning a 10-6 lead. Mark Hodgson landed a second minute penalty before Selby quickly countered as second row Justin Priest stepped though a gap and went over for an unconverted try.

A Richard Stead penalty extended Selby’s lead before Thornhill replied with a try when Chris Woodcock dived over. Hodgson converted.

Sam Ratcliffe broke away down the wing but instead of going for glory he switched the ball infield and the move broke down but Thornhill added a Hodgson penalty before the break.

The hosts dominated the second half to run out convincing winners.

After a Sam Ratcliffe break, Dale Brook powered over for a try. Mark Hodgson converted and he was on target again after Simon Walker broke from half way and produced a fine side-step to dart over for his 21st try of the season.

Sam Ratcliffe left the field with a leg injury before Thornhill struck again as Morley offloaded the ball in the tackle to put Jack Stead over for a try. Hodgson added the goal for a 28-6 lead.

David Makin crossed for a Selby try at the corner as the game entered the final quarter but Thornhill responded well as pressure on the Selby line ended when a short pass from Jake Ratcliffe put Scott Woodcock over for a try. Hodgson converted.

Morley was then creator again when despite being tackled he sent out a pass which put the supporting Broadhead between the posts for a score. Hodgson added the goal.

Late on full-back Jason Roberts took advantage of an offload to score a try near the posts for Selby. The kick was missed but it was all academic and the referee blew for full time to spark the celebrations.