Thornhill in high spirits for trip to champions Sharlston

The Trojans recorded a third successive league win last week, defeating Keighley 42-6 to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season.

Thornhill were sluggish in the first half and fell behind to a Jamie Donnelly try after five minutes.

They responded well with an Anthony Harris try and Andrew Bates conversion but Keighley levelled thanks to Carl Hudson.

Jake Wilson crossed and Bates converted to put Thornhill 12-6 ahead at half-time but it needed a rousing team talk by coach James Ratcliffe to inspire the team.

Man of the match Danny Ratcliffe orchestrated the home team and put powerful second rower Ben Kendal between the posts soon after the restart, Bates converted.

Five minutes later Aaron Briggs split the defence with a pass to Danny Ratcliffe for him to touch down and Bates again improved.

Adam Bird took a pass on halfway and outpaced the defence over 50 yards to score between the posts, with Bates again converting to put Thornhill 30-6 up.

With ten minutes remaining, the ball was worked to Joel Gibson who sneaked in for a try in the corner.

Danny Ratcliffe capped a fine performance by landing the conversion from the touchline.

Keighley never gave up and were twice denied tries when players were held up over the line by the strong Thornhill defence.

In the closing minutes Briggs broke away from halfway and again put Danny Ratcliffe between the posts for the Trojans seventh try and Ratcliffe added the goal to seal victory.