Walker hat-trick fires Trojans

THORNHILL made hard work of this win in Pennine League Division Three.

Only a second half hat-trick from Thornhill substitute Simon Walker gave credibility to a below-par performance.

Thornhill conceded a try inside two minutes as hooker Ben Bibby nipped over and Matt Withers converted.

Thornhill responded as Jake Ratcliffe went over from acting half for an unconverted try. But any thoughts Thornhill had of pushing on disappeared when a series of penalties gave Rangers the initiative.

Victoria worked the ball to winger Gavin Rhodes, who cut inside through a non-existent defence. The conversion went wide.

Thornhill continued to challenge decisions and concede penalties. Eventually Simon Nelson was shown the yellow card for speaking out of turn.

A good run from Dom Mason made ground for Trojans. The ball was worked infield and a pass from man- of-the-match Broadhead sent James Folan over. Mark Hodgson converted to level.

Thornhill went behind again when Bibby landed a drop-goal to give Victoria hope.

Experienced substitute Rob Hoyle came on to try and give direction to Thornhill.

A Hoyle run took him close and Broadhead stepped through to score, Hodgson converted.

Withers kicked a penalty goal before Broadhead set up Hoyle, who plunged over. Hodgson converted as Thornhill led 22-13 at the interval.

There were further murmurings from Thornhill supporters when the visitors again conceded a penalty and Ross Mezals ran through a paper-thin defence for an unconverted try. A tiring Victoria couldn’t believe how easy Thornhill were making it.

However, the introduction of Simon Walker soon brought a safety margin. The ball was worked along the line and Walker took Broadhead’s short pass to go over, Hodgson converted.

time and again Thornhill put the ball to ground and the game lost all shape but a strong run from Walker brought his second try, Hodgson goaled.

With seconds left Wayne Loney put Walker through to complete his hat-trick and Hodgson added another goal.