Trojans bounce back with victory as Vic suffer defeat

The win came at a price as Jake Ratcliffe was rushed to hospital and required surgery on a broken jaw following an off the ball challenge.

Thornhill’s man-of-the-match was prop Ian Jubb, while winger Adam Bird and young centre James Thornton scored a brace of tries.

Liam Green pounced on a chip from Andrew Bates for the first try, before Bird and Thornton both crossed and Bates converted the latter as the Trojans started well.

Moldgreen replied with a converted try to reduce the half-time deficit to 14-6.

Jubb produced a lovely defence-splitting pass to send Tom Holdsworth over for a try before Danny Ratcliffe scampered over from acting half-back and Mark Hodgson converted.

Liam Morley put Thornton in for his second, Bates gathered his own kick through to dive over before Bird powered over, with Hodgson converting all three.

Sanches James replied with a terrific solo try but Bret Simmonds scored on the stroke of full-time to seal Thornhill’s win.

Birstall Victoria suffered a 32-6 defeat in their top-of-the-table clash at Scarborough Pirates.

There was a high penalty count against the Vic, which hampered their efforts and helped Scarborough take a 32-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining.

The Vic showed heart and the forwards tried to up the intensity but they were reduced to 11 men as the referee produced a flurry of late cards.

The visitors continued to battle and were rewarded with a late try from Trevor West.

Birstall remain two points clear at the top of the table but Scarborough have a game in hand and a slightly better points difference, so the Vic’s final three games will be crucial.

They entertain Normanton on August 3, travel to Dudley Hill on August 10 and end at home to East Leeds on August 17.