Round 1 - Yorkshire Counties 3
Thornensians: (7) 31
Tries: Ellis, Cook, Barrass, Ridgill
Con: Barrass (4)
Pen: Barrass
Dearne Valley: (12) 17
Tries: Mason (2), Hunter
Con: Parker
Thornensians RUFC kicked off their new campaign in style on Saturday, securing a 31-17 victory over newly promoted Dearne Valley RUFC in front of over 100 supporters at Coulman Road.
A strong all-round performance, highlighted by four well-taken tries, ensured the home side set down an early marker for the season ahead. Dearne Valley, making their debut at this level, showed plenty of fight and they will take plenty of positives from the game as they continue their first season in Yorkshire Counties 3.
Front the 1st whistle, Thorne looked sharp and eager to impose themselves. But, two unforced errors in our own half, saw Dearne Valley take an early 12-nil lead. It wasn't long after that Thorne crossed the white-wash themselves, with quick ball from Charlie Dewsnap playing at 9, Andrew Ellis was able to power over the Dearne Valley line to register Thornes opening try of the 2025/26 season, with Andy Barrass adding the conversion (7-12). The remainder of the first half was fought out with hard running and big defensive efforts from both sides, with neither team able to get the upper hand.
It wasn't long into the second half before Thorne started to take control of the game with strong and penetrating runs from Scott Berry, Jack Grainger and Dec Cook. The later scoring in the 46th minute, a reward of his efforts, again converted by Andy Barrass, giving Thorne the lead for the first time in the match (14-12). Thorne were awarded a penalty 5 minutes later, and opted to take the 3 points to keep the score board ticking over (17-12). In the 66th minute, after multiple phases, Dearne Valley scored a well worked try, but were unsuccessful with their attempt over the posts (17-17).
With 10 minutes to go, Thorne's experience at this level showed, notching it up a gear Andy Barrass cross over, converting his own effort (24-17), but Thorne weren't quite done there. Another attack in the last few minutes, saw the ball pass through multiple hands, and out wide to Glynn Ridgill for Thorne's forth try, and a bonus point. Andy Barrass making it 5 out of 5, with a successful conversion to finish off a fine display.
Man of the Match went to Dec Cook, for his attacking and defensive efforts all game.
Next weekend, Thornensians host local rivals, Wheatley Hill RUFC, who also won on the opening weekend. Kick off is scheduled for 3pm. Come down and support the lads, as they go for win number 2!
