Trojans strengthen grip at top of table

Thornhill Trojans strengthened their hold on top spot of Pennine League Division Two with this 13-try demolition of Boothtown last Saturday.

The Trojans ran in 13 tries as the agile Liam Morley and winger Chesanco James each scored a hat-trick.

Despite early resistance by the home team it took only seven minutes to open their account with a well-taken try by Joss Ratcliffe, converted by Darren Robinson.

Four minutes later Ben Eastwood beat three would be tacklers to touch down, again converted by Robinson and Thornhill went 16-0 up from an unconverted James try in the left corner.

The next two tries came from Liam Morley, one from a move created by Anthony Broadhead and Jake Wilson, the other following a strong drive by Anthony Harris.

Simon Walker celebrated his call-up to the BARLA Great Britain Tour squad when he powered over from close range and Simon Nelson then unselfishly slipped the ball for Anthony Broadhead to touch down before Robinson kicked a penalty on the stroke of half-time to make it 42–0.

A more determined Boothtown took to the field in the second half and good pressure led to two tries from Dale Brown, one converted by Charlesworth.

From the kick-off James gathered the ball and went in at the corner for an unconverted try.

Thornhill regained control with Robinson touching down from an offload by Broadhead before adding the extras.

Scott Woodcock forced his way over for another try before James completed his hat trick, both tries converted by Robinson.

Morley then fed Broadhead, who beat a defender to score another converted try as Thornhill reached 70 points.

Boothtown’s Ben Mauns ran 40-yards to score a converted try on the left but a minute later Broadhead broke and Morley completed his hat-trick. Robinson added the extras with his 12th goal of the game as he ended with 28 points.

Thornhill Trojans Under-16s started well against Drighlington but dropped off the pace after 10 minutes.

They made too many mistakes in the first half and found themselves trailing 16-2 at the break.

Drighlington added two more tries early in the second half before the Trojans started to play.

Superb running from Joe Parkinson created holes in the Drighlington defence.

He was well supported by James Heeley and Brad Jackson, giving forwards Theus Hill, Sam Clarkson Matty Denison and Tyler Oakes the opportunity to make good runs.

Tyler Oakes scored two tries and Sam Clarkson another, while Jonny Smith added two conversions.

The final whistle came too soon for Thornhill to complete the comeback as they lost 26-16. Joe Parkinson was MoM.

The Under-16s travel to Myton on Sunday and a coach leaves the club at 9am.