Victory leaves Trojans on verge of promotion

Thornhill need a single point from their remaining three matches to be mathematically certain of a top two finish, although their superior points difference means that barring a massive collapse, they will be promoted.

The champagne could be cracked open on Saturday when they travel to Crosfields.

Joss Ratcliffe has been unable to secure a place in the team of late but an injury to Adam Johnson presented the winger with an opportunity which he grasped in style, scoring four tries.

Centre Jake Wilson was also a handful, creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Joss Ratcliffe’s first try came after just four minutes, when he plunged over in the corner after Wilson’s break.

Joel Gibson kicked a fantastic touchline conversion.

A terrific inside pass from man-of-the-match Luke Haigh sent Gibson racing away to plant the ball between the posts. Gibson converted.

Thornhill looked to be cruising for victory when Mindaugas Bendikas broke clear from deep inside the Trojans half to score and Gibson converted.

But Thornhill were given a wake-up call when Brad Tattersall burrowed under a pile of defenders to score a try which Kane Gray converted.

In the run up to half-time a lofted pass from Wilson picked out Joss Ratcliffe, who dived head-over-heels to score in the corner.

An early second half stalemate was broken when Wibsey kicked on the last tackle and full-back Gibson gathered deep in his own half but breezed through the defence for a terrific long range try which he converted.

Joss Ratcliffe completed his hat-trick with an unconverted try in the corner after another impressive break by Wilson. Gibson converted.

Wibsey continued to battle and Scott Simpson dived beneath the Thornhill defensive line to score from close range. Kane Grey converted.

Thornhill’s final try came on the back of a strong run from youngster Adam Allerton, who made good ground and took play towards the try line.

The move was continued and the ball went along the attacking line and ended when Wilson put Joss Ratcliffe over for his fourth try of the game. Gibson converted.

In the final minute of the game Bendikas was sin binned after the touch judge had come racing onto the field with his flag raised.

After a discussion between the officials Bendikas was shown the yellow card for punching but as soon as he had reached the touchline the full-time whistle went and Thornhill are on the verge of kick starting celebrations.