Youngsters show promise but Thornhill Trojans lose out in first Conference play-off game
Thornhill Trojans were simply second best in their Cross Conference play-off Group D game as they lost 38-4 at Ince Rose Bridge.
The Trojans knew at the interval that the second half was going to be an uphill battle. Despite being reduced to 12 men after having a man sin-binned, the Ince Rose Bridge team somehow managed to raise their game and put the result beyond doubt. The longer the game went on, the more play became one way traffic.
Thornhill gave a run out to a number of youngsters with Logan Stanley and Frankie Beverley showing good promise in testing circumstances. There was also a debut for Aidan Norman.
The Trojans official man of the match was Luke Hinchliffe for the way he bravely carried the ball forward.
Playing up the slope, Ince scored early as they took advantage of a Thornhill error. The ball was worked out to the wing and Callum Hughes managed to squeeze over in the corner despite the efforts of full-back Ryan Mitchell. The conversion was added by Kieran Eccleston.
But Thornhill hit back when a high kick towards the posts was fumbled by the Ince full back. Stanley followed the kick perfectly and was on hand to pounce on the loose ball and score his first try at open age before marking the moment by saluting the Trojans supporters.
The game carried on and was only interrupted when tempers boiled over. Once order was restored the hosts put on a runaround in front of the posts and Lucas Cullan crossed for a try converted by Eccleston.
Quick handling created the next Ince score. The ball travelled along the attacking line and Ellis Tindall dived over for an unconverted try in the corner to make it 16-4 at the break.
Despite having Craig Sandby sin-binned for holding down, the home team somehow found something in reserve to press ahead. Byron Ascanel scooted from acting-half to scramble over for a try which Eccleston converted.
Still down to 12 men, Bridge continued to test Thornhill and missed tackles allowed them to open up the defence as Callam Haigh raced over. Eccleston added the extras again.
Another dummy once again opened up the Thornhill defence. This time it was Eccleston who did the damage to cross for a try he converted himself.
By now the game was beyond the Trojans and a lofted pass out to the wing added to the visitors’ misery. Callam Harris took the ball and swan dived over in the corner for an unconverted try.
Thornhill must now regroup and make the trip to Featherstone Lions in the next group game.