Thornhill clinch Pennine Div 2 title

Thornhill Trojans 42

Thornhill Trojans turned on the style after the break last Saturday to clinch the Pennine League Division Two title.

The result means that Thornhill go into their final league game at second placed Brighouse Rangers aiming to preserve their unbeaten league record.

Wyke played valiantly and restricted the visitors to a 12-4 interval lead before Thornhill’s second-half demolition job.

Man-of-the-match hooker Scott Green was a bundle of energy as he took play forward and scooted over for a try converted by Craig Holmes, after five minutes.

Green tormented Wyke and he sent Simon Walker charging up the slope. Walker put Sam Ratcliffe away but the ball went to ground and the move broke down.

Wyke held strong until Green took Thornhill within striking distance. The ball was worked at speed along the attacking line until it reached Darren Robinson and he powered over for a try which Holmes converted.

Wyke scored their only try through Ash Hutchinson but the goal attempt from in front of the posts was missed.

Thornhill captain Jake Wilson was sin-binned for dissent before half-time but the Trojans quickly increased their lead when Sam Ratcliffe kicked forward and pounced to score. Holmes converted.

Now restored to 13 men Thornhill turned the screw by using the slope to their advantage. A speedy move involving Liam Morley, Anthony Broadhead and Johnny Mack ended with Jake Wilson racing between the posts. Holmes converted.

Substitute Adam Bird made a wonderful break and although he was hauled down, a quick play the ball kept Thornhill moving down the slope. Morley stepped away for a try which Holmes goaled.

Broadhead sent out a perfectly weighted pass which put Jake Wilson striding over and Holmes improved.

Wyke were reduced to 12 men when a player was also sin-binned for back chat.

Thornhill used their extra man advantage well when Jake Wilson broke away to put Robinson over for his second try of the game. Holmes converted before the referee blew for time six minutes early.

Thornhill will aim to complete the double when they face Methley Royals in the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy final on May 7 at Dewsbury Rams’ Tetley’s Stadium (11am).

n Thornhill Trojans A completed their Pennine Division Seven campaign with a 22-18 win over Selby A. Victory means Thornhill A have won all 16 league games on the way to securing the title.