Trojans maintain unbeaten start with comprehensive away win

Thornhill Trojans continued their unbeaten start to the Pennine 11-a-side League winter season with a 56-18 victory at Methley Royals.
Sam Ratcliffe was among the Thornhill Trojans try scorers during their emphatic victory over Methley in the Pennine 11-a-side League.Sam Ratcliffe was among the Thornhill Trojans try scorers during their emphatic victory over Methley in the Pennine 11-a-side League.
Sam Ratcliffe was among the Thornhill Trojans try scorers during their emphatic victory over Methley in the Pennine 11-a-side League.

Scott Lee registered a well taken hat-trick of tries, there was a fantastic attacking performance from James Craven, while man-of-the-match Luke Carter took Thornhill forward.

The only down side for Thornhill came late in the game when Carter suffered a bad ankle injury.

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Wayne Wilson marked his return to the club with a try after just two minutes when a good pass opened the defence and allowed him to charge over. Mark Hodgson converted.

A long ball from Carter picked out Hodgson, who powered forward and scored an unconverted try out wide.

Thornhill switched off and Methley took advantage with Jarred Willshaw powering between the posts. Lee Starbuck converted.

Methley continued their fight back with a kick into the in goal area. Thornhill stood back and Jason Tate followed the kick up to pounce for the try which Starbuck converted to cut the lead to two points.

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A 60 metre long range try from Craven, which Hodgson goaled, settled Thornhill nerves.

Craven then turned try creator when he chipped the ball into the in goal and Lee caught the Methley defence napping to score. Hodgson converted.

Just before half-time Lee used his pace to break clear and glide over for a try which Hodgson converted.

Hodgson looked to have put Liam Green over but he lost the ball in the act of scoring .

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Methley pressed up field to score through Starbuck, who also converted but from then on it was all Thornhill as the Trojans cut loose to top the half century mark.

Lee broke clear for another long range try to complete his hat-trick before Carter completed a flowing attacking move with a try, with Hodgson adding both goals.

Green scored a try and in doing so seemed reluctant to touch the ball down due an incident in back play.

In the build up to this try a Methley player landed on Carter causing him to go down screaming in pain.

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Although the try was awarded and Hodgson goaled, Carter had to be helped from the field with a suspected broken ankle.

Sam Ratcliffe broke clear down the wing for a long range try. Hodgson converted and in the final move, Wilson broke clear and side stepped the defence for an unconverted try.

This was a comprehensive victory for the Trojans but Methley did ask questions of their defence, which will give them food for thought as the season progresses.

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