Trojans too strong for Woolston

Joel Gibson scored two tries and kicked two goals as Thornhill consolidated third place with victory over Woolston.

A 12-point haul from Joel Gibson combined with resolute defending throughout helped the Trojans hang on to third spot in the division and keep alive their hopes of promotion into Division Two.

Gibson marked his return to the side with the opening try, running in unopposed after smart interplay down the line but could not add the extras with the boot.

Ryan Fenton’s 80-metre run was halted just short of the line but he offloaded to send Mindaugas Bendikas through with Gibson converting for a 10-0 interval lead.

A forward pass stopped Woolston getting their first score of the game but Olly Parr reduced the gap to four points when he went over in the corner with Will Chadwick adding the extras.

Thornhill put the game beyond their opponents with two further scores from Adam Johnson’s full length run and Gibson’s second try, the latter of which was self-converted to seal an impressive win.

Tempers frayed in a cagey opening period but when the dust settled, the Trojans worked the ball down the line, eventually finding Gibson who crossed the whitewash in the corner but was unable to convert his score.

Thornhill stood firm as Woolston searched for a foothold but following an error, Ryan Fenton raced clear for Thornhill before calmly slipping in Bendikas to score, Gibson obliging with the goal.

The hosts then had a try disallowed for a forward pass just before the break but Parr stole in to reduce the arrears minutes into the second period and Chadwick converted.

Woolston were held up on the Thornhill try line but Adam Johnson took possession and ran down the line to cross in the corner, Gibson was unable to convert.

The recalled Gibson ended the scoring when Johnson again broke clear and offloaded for him to cross unchallenged.

Gibson landed his second goal as Thornhill consolidated third spot in the table.

The scores could have been greater had a forward pass not prevented Johnson securing his brace but a third straight win was already assured for the Trojans.

Thornhill have a week off but entertain Wibsey Warriors on Saturday, May 30 in their next National Conference League outing.