Trojans march into last eight

Boothtown Terriers 12

Thornhill Trojans progressed to the quarter-finals of the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy after a keen tussle with fellow Pennine League Division Three side Boothtown.

Man-of-the-match Anthony Broadhead created openings for the Trojans and his efforts were matched by those of captain Anthony Harris who ran hard and also scored the first try.

A probing run from winger Rob Long took Thornhill towards the line before play was worked infield and Harris went charging onto a Liam Morley pass to score. Mark Hodgson converted.

Quick-thinking by Liam Morley saw him nip though a gap and over for a try which Hodgson converted.

Boothtown hit back and created an overlap for Graham Charlesworth to dive over for a try in the corner. Charlesworth also converted.

Thornhill had Simon Nelson sin-binned for throwing a punch but the Trojans continued to attack.

A good move nearly resulted in a try from Long but the referee ruled the final pass from Morley was forward.

Undeterred Thornhill pressed and Wayne Loney broke away, drew the full-back, sold a dummy and stepped over for the try. Hodgson converted to see the Trojans 18-6 up at the interval.

A very stop-start second half didn’t make pretty viewing but the stalemate was broken when Boothtown stand-off Charlesworth chipped forward re-gathered and sped away from three defenders and crossed for a try which he converted.

Hodgson eased Thornhill’s nerves with a penalty but tempers began to boil over and James Folan was sent to the sin-bin for use of his elbow but the Trojans held on to reach the last eight.

In the Supplementary Cup second round Wyke A were knocked out, losing 28-12 at home to derby rivals Brighouse Rangers.

n Birkenshaw ARL of Pennine League Divison One are preparing for a semi-final date at home to third division side Dudley Hill A in the Bradford ARL Jack Senior Memorial Cup.

Despite the two division gap between the sides it should be an exciting contest at East Bierley, kick off 2pm, as Dudley Hill are second with games in hand. All support is welcome.