Thornhill stun leaders with dramatic late try

A 79th minute try from Jake Wilson, converted by Andrew Bates, capped a monumental performance as the Trojans won 22-20.

Thornhill suffered an early set-back, conceding a first minute try by Craig Miles but dug deep to grind out the win.

Luke Haigh took the Trojans forward and directed play, while there were also excellent performances from second row pairing George Stott and Jake Wilson.

After the early set-back a brace of tries from winger Mindaugas Bendik put the Trojans ahead.

Thornhill pressure paid off when Bendikas scored in the corner and George Woodcock kicked a brilliant conversion.

Haigh then darted for the line before the ball was worked out to Bendikas, who ploughed under a pile of bodies to score.

Hunslet’s Jamie Fields dropped the ball over the Thornhill try line and as the Trojans attempted a quick re-start, James Craven appeared to be punched from behind.

Players rushed in as Craven lay poleaxed on the floor and the referee showed Hunlset’s Wayne Foster a red card for running in and Craven for allegedly kicking.

Stott intercepted a pass and raced away before slipping the ball to Joss Ratcliffe, who powered away to score and put his side 14-4 ahead at half-time.

Hunslet caught Thornhill napping from the restart when Dale Harris went over for an unconverted try in the corner.

Bates was off target with a penalty but was successful with a second effort soon after.

Kieren Murphy stole the ball in a one on one situation and raced away from 20 metres out to cross for a try. Fields converted to reduce Thornhill’s lead to two points.

With 10 minutes remaining, Chris Boyce went over for a try. Fields converted and it looked as though Hunslet had preserved their unbeaten run.

However, in the dying minutes, Danny Ratcliffe passed to Jake Wilson, who planted the ball over the try line and Bates held his nerve to land the goal and seal victory.