Trojans stun Mayfield to reach Trophy semis

Anthony Broadhead had a terrific game as Thornhill eased into the National Conference Trophy semi-finals with a stunning victory over Rochdale Mayfield.

Trojans fans could have predicted the margin of victory as they eased to a 42-10 success.

Scott Dyson made his first start for almost six years, while Jason Firth, Shane Davies, Anthony Broadhead and James Folan were also called on as the Thornhill team looked remarkably similar to the side which did so well 10 years ago.

Dyson produced a MoM display, Broadhead prized open the Rochdale defence with some fantastic passes, while Liam Morley capped a fine game with a solo try.

Thornhill struck in the first minute when Dyson’s high kick was fluffed by a Mayfield player and Ryan Fenton pounced to score. Sam Ratcliffe converted.

Mayfield caught Thornhill off guard and Sam Butterworth scored between the posts. Lewis Sheridan goaled.

Mayfield hooker Todd O’Brien was sin-binned following a fracas and from the penalty, Sam Ratcliffe sprinted down the wing and dived over in the corner for an unconverted try.

Thornhill were penalised for a high tackle and Liam Whalley crossed for an unconverted Mayfield try.

The tide began to turn firmly in Thornhill’s favour as a wonderfully weighted pass from Morley found Adam Johnson and the winger beat his opposite number to race over from halfway. Sam Ratcliffe converted and kicked a penalty before half-time.

Three minutes into the second half Dyson fed Broadhead, who in turn found Sam Ratcliffe to sprint over for an unconverted try.

Dyson’s pass then put Fenton over for his second try and soon after Morley made a solo raid for the line, where he burrowed over. Sam Ratcliffe converted.

Luke Haigh was denied a try for a double movement but Thornhill maintained their momentum and Broadhead put Mason Bailey over.

The final score underlined Thornhill’s dominance as Fenton broke clear. Scott Green was in support to wrong-foot the Mayfield full-back to cross. Sam Ratcliffe converted to put Thornhill into the semi-finals, where they face a trip to Leigh Miners Rangers on August 8.

n Dewsbury Moor suffered a 26-14 defeat at Gateshead Storm in National Conference Division Three.

A late Adam Bielby try, converted by Zack Clarke, condemned Moor after Martin Scott had crossed twice with Iain Murray also touching down and Adam Houston landing four goals.

Jacob Flathers led the Moor reply with a try and conversion, while George Croisdale and Jordan Fisher also crossed for Moor, who trailed 14-4 at the break.