Trojans sink leaders Hawks

Hillsborough Hawks 14

THORNHILL Trojans boosted their promotion hopes with victory over Pennine League Division Three leaders Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks.

Trojans man-of-the-match, full-back Mark Hodgson, marshalled the defence and there was also a good effort from prop Anthony Harris, who drove the ball in.

Former Dewsbury Ram Matthew Roberts also made a welcomed return to the team.

Thornhill’s first half highlight came when player/coach Wayne Loney broke from inside his own half and raced away only for the defence to close him down.

Hillsborough put up a high kick to the in goal area and the ball came down perfectly but the referee pulled back the would-be scorer for offside.

Undeterred, Will Fairbank carried a pile of Thornhill defenders over the line for the opening score as the Hawks led 4-0 at the interval.

Thornhill came out for the second half fired up and a fine pass from Anthony Broadhead sent Anthony Harris diving over close to the posts. Hodgson converted.

Soon after, Roberts picked up the ball and went on a weaving run to mark his return to the club with a try, which Hodgson goaled.

With Thornhill in control at 12-4 tempers suddenly boiled over as Tom Holdsworth and Dale Brook took exception to a challenge from a Sheffield player.

Players from both sides rushed in and small pockets of disputing players broke away from the main confrontation until the referee restored order, with Thornhill’s Anthony Harris and Sheffield’s Jim Hitchman sent to the sin-bin.

The penalty went to Thornhill and play was taken towards the Sheffield posts where Broadhead and Simon Nelson created space for Jason Day to score. Hodgson converted.

Thornhill looked to have the game in the bag but there was a late fightback as quick handling sent winger Harry Whales diving over in the corner. Dan Gray converted.

In the final minute, the Hawks put up a high kick which was collected by Anthony Barrett and he scored in the corner. The conversion bounced off a post and Thornhill savoured victory.