Proud Ratcliffe sets Trojans Premier target

Ratcliffe has now targeted promotion from Pennine League Division Two as the main priority and wants the Trojans to climb into the Premier Division, so they can play sides like the Old Boys every week.

Ratcliffe said: “We spoke before the game that we didn’t want any of the players leaving anything in the dressing room and they didn’t. I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved.

“Credit to Hunslet Old Boys, I thought the better team won on the day, but it was only due to them having a little more experience – that told and I have no excuses.

“They are used to that kind of pace as they play at that level week in, week out and that has to be our aim. The Pennine League is a very well run competition and we want to get to the Premier Division.

“We have proved to a lot of people that Thornhill are certainly on the way back.

“The guys are gutted but we still have a smile on our faces. We will pick ourselves up and give the National Cup a good go.”

Thornhill were backed by a superb travelling support and on the back of Boxing Day’s bumper derby crowd for the Dewsbury v Batley clash, it has proved rugby league is thriving in the town.

Thornhill will return to action a week on Saturday (January 7) as they visit Ossett Trinity in their delayed Heavy Woollen Jim Brown Cup tie.

Final report: Page 55.