Trojans take positives out of away loss

The very survival of Thornhill A has hung in the balance over the last couple of months with fixtures being missed due to player shortages.

However, a reprieve from the Pennine League management has allowed the club to embark on a mini recruitment drive to increase numbers.

Thornhill’s man-of-the-match was the experienced Adam Hoyle, who had a huge impact in taking the pack forward.

Hoyle’s efforts were complemented by the endeavour of Stuart Springett.

Hooker Jack Stead also looked lively, as did winger Jordan Truelove.

The first half was a keenly contested spectacle and Thornhill took the lead through a Shane Johnson try following Mark Hodgson’s kick through.

Bowling scrum-half Max Trueman was a very dangerous player and he levelled matters with a try in the corner.

Bowling then took the lead when Phil Munro latched onto a delayed pass and went through a gap and over for another unconverted try.

The visitors restored their lead when Mindaugas Bendikas ran on to a pass at pace and eluded several potential tacklers on his way to the line, with Mark Hodgson converting.

Two tries in the run up to half time from Trueman saw the scrum half complete a first half hat-trick.

The third of his tries was arguably his best when a wonderful dummy split Thornhill wide open.

Scott Smith added a conversion to one of the tries, despite Thornhill claims the kick had fallen short of the crossbar.

Thornhill’s Dale Brook was sin binned for a high tackle but early in the second half, Shane Davies sent Dale Brook charging up field and the ball was switched inside for Jordan Truelove to score. Hodgson converted.

The score remained 20-16 until the final 10 minutes when Bowling scored further tries through Callum Wilcokes and winger Karl Spring (two), with Smith adding two goals, but the Trojans A will look to gain some momentum from this performance.