Rugby Thorns edge out Sidmouth to secure first away win of the season
THORNBURY secured their first away win of the season with a deserved but hardfought 25-23 win at Sidmouth in South West One West. The match was close throughout and could have gone either way, but Thorns showed great attitude and control throughout.
Skipper Sam Poustie made a trysaving tackle in the first minute as Sidmouth started the better. They then charged down a kick and scored an unconverted try and added a penalty for an 8-0 lead.
However, Thornbury were getting into the game and when Jack Pinker drilled the ball into the corner Mike Johnson chased the kick and won the race to the ball. Pinker converted, but Sidmouth scored again from a driving line-out. Thorns dominated the rest of the half, although all they had to show for it was a Pinker penalty. Sidmouth led 13-10 at half-time.
Early in the second half, Thornbury knocked on with the line at their mercy. Shortly afterwards, they won a Sidmouth scrum and attacked down the left where Mike Gaston shrugged off two defenders and took a third over the line with him to score the try. Pinker converted for a 17-13 lead.
But Thornbury were unable to exit the restart and Sidmouth regained the lead through an unconverted try from a line-out drive.
Pinker restored Thornbury’s lead with a penalty before Sidmouth crucially missed a simple penalty close to the posts.
With ten minutes remaining, Thornbury extended their lead with a fine try. Jake Wood and Luke
Panting created a gap and Sam Butcher charged down the touchline before offloading to Kieran Sparrow for the score. The conversion was missed but Thorns led 25-18.
Sidmouth scored a late try, then
after Thorns won a line-out in last play Poustie gratefully hoofed the ball into touch for a 25-23 win.
Thornbury have a week off before the visit of table-topping St Austell on Saturday, November 20 (2.30pm).