Thornhill Trojans season received a massive shot in the arm with this fantastic victory over a much fancied Sharlston Rovers.

Having already reached the Yorkshire Cup final former Dewsbury Rams coach Andy Fisher brought a Sharlston Rovers side to Overthorpe Park and must have fancied their chances of making progress to the Quarter Finals of the National Cup.

However, when it mattered most the Trojans rediscovered their fighting spirit to come out victorious in this enthralling clash.

Chris Walker out paces Gareth Davies to score his first try.

Thornhill's man of the match was Anthony Broadhead and his return to action following a suspension has clearly lifted his team mates. Broadhead has certainly added to Thornhill's battling spirit and he used his experience to bring some direction to Thornhill's cause.

There was also an impressive showing from player-coach Scott Dyson who marshalled the attacking moves admirably from the thick of the action. Dyson's work was supported well by the dangerous running of Johnny Campbell and the strong go forward play of two try Richard Bostock. Bostock is still a member of Thornhill's under 18's team and is certainly making a major impact in the early stages of his Open Age career.

It was Richard Bostock who scored the first try of the game after five minutes of play. There was a strong surge for the try line from Thornhill and the ball was worked along the attacking line. A pass from Jason Firth resulted in the Sharlston defence opening up and Richard Bostock charged over for an unconverted try.

Thornhill's lead lasted only a few minutes until Sharlston scored their first try to level matters. A flowing attacking move was capitalised on when a pass was slipped out of a tackled leaving two Trojans defenders committed. The off load was on target and found Jonathan Czopcyzc who dived over for an unconverted try in the corner.

Shortly after the restart Sharlston made a push for the Thornhill line. Some good passing saw the Thornhill defence sucked into the middle of the field. There was a two man over lap and Dale Potter crossed for an unconverted try.

With Thornhill's hold on the game now reduced to one score Scott Dyson put over a drop goal to slightly tighten his teams hold on the game.

The drop goal looked to be priceless when after Thornhill had been penalised for a high tackle Sharlston made good ground up field. A set move in front of the posts had Thornhill retreating and then former Dewsbury player Craig Miles ploughed under a pile of defenders to score a try between the posts. Matty Bell converted to cut Thornhill's lead to only the one point.

With little more than ten minutes left to play Thornhill were penalised for holding down out wide. Initially Sharlston indicated to the referee that they wanted to go for goal but then changed their mind, took a gamble and ran the ball.

The gamble paid off for Sharlston and resulted in them taking the lead for the first time in the game.

Sharlston ran the ball and after initially taking play to one side of the field, play moved swiftly to the other. As play headed for the corner Gareth Davies sold a dummy and the Thornhill defence parted. Davies crossed for an unconverted try.

Thornhill were initially aggrieved with the referee for allowing Sharlston to change their mind about what to do with the penalty but soon calmed and refocused on the task in hand.

Broady gets held just short.

With the clock now ticking rapidly towards fulltime Thornhill needed to hold their nerve and show some composure on attack. This is just what the Trojans did when they were grateful of a back to one decision close to the Sharlston line. Scott Dyson was at the thick of things and he got a pass out which sent Richard Bostock charging over for a try. Scott Dyson converted.

To make matters certain, just before full time Scott Dyson kicked a penalty goal to put his side though to the last 8 of the National Cup.

Match report compiled by Andrew Byram. Match Photos Here