| Thornbury lose out to St Ives in play-off |
| posted on Sunday 1 May 2005 by Alex Kane |
| Three late tries from St Ives sealed their promotion to South West II as they ran out 27-5 winners in the Western Counties play-off at the weekend. Thornbury gave their all, but had more than their powerful and determined opponents and the vocal home support to contend with as they lost scrum half and captain Stuart Adams to a broken ankle as the first half drew to a close. Two yellow cards further hindered Thornbury's ability to take control of the game, although they defended superbly throughout, limiting St Ives to a couple of penalties before they eventually scored themselves with a try from prop Adam Hodgkins. With 10 minutes to go Thornbury had a chance to take the lead with the attempted conversion from wide out on the left, but Simon Weavers effort fell just short. Moments later Thornbury lost another of their three quarters, as Steve Allington suffered a dislocated shoulder being tackled into touch. Andy Bamford was also sidelined with a neck injury and Thorns were forced to play out the remaining minutes with a prop covering the left wing. As the game drew to a close, Thornbury battled on, but the intense pressure that St Ives had excerted throughout the game, eventually told and the home side ran in a succession of tries in the closing moments to put the icing on their victory and promotion to South West II. All in all a bitterly dissappointing end to an otherwise magnificent season for Thornbury. Especially with the injury to captain Stuart Adams who has worked tirelessly trying to secure promotion back to South West II this year. That said, St Ives were worthy winners on the day and Thornbury wish them every success in South West II next season, and all going well, are greatly looking forward to their next visit to the seaside in 2006/2007! |
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