Thornhill A make step up but suffer defeat at Farnley despite top performance from Palmer

At the start of the season Thornhill requested that their A team was moved up to a higher division in order to ensure regular and more meaningful fixtures.

The Division Four fixture programme is certainly delivering on this front as Thornhill faced another testing away trip.

With several regular A team players called up for first team action there were few notable names on the Trojans’ team sheet.

Trojans A coach Tom Codman played himself at hooker and Stuart Springett once again came out of retirement to be included on the substitutes bench.

Danny Fisher also had his first run out in a long time.

Man of the match Luke Palmer was in outstanding form in this game and made a significant contribution.

James McKendry and Vinnie Johnson also received post-match praise for their efforts, with the latter scoring the only Thornhill try as they slipped to defeat.

Thornhill A are doing well to compete against some good opposition this season and on Saturday face an intriguing home game against local rivals Birstall Victoria.

Birstall lie third in the table with a win, draw and loss from their opening three matches.

The Vic overcame Farnley 20-4 in their last game on May 20, so it promises to be another stern test for Thornhill.

Batley Boys earned a thrilling 19-18 victory away to Queensbury last Saturday to maintain their Division One title challenge.

Batley lie just a point behind leaders Bentley, who dropped their first point of the season last week when they were held to a 30-30 draw away to Skirlaugh Bulls A.

The Boys travel to third-bottom Heworth on Saturday aiming for a fifth win of the season, while Bentley are at West Hull Lions A.