The Skirlaugh team must have found the number of times which Thornhill lost possession unbelievable.
Skirlaugh scored four tries in this game and all four came from Thornhill fluffing ball possession.

However, in contrast to the woeful performance on attack, Thornhill did shine on defence. Take the gifted scoring opportunities out of the equation and Skirlaugh rarely broke the Trojans down.

Skirlaugh's Matt Danville chases down Trojans Rob Copley.

The official man of the match award went to Richard Pachniuk as he had a hand in all of Thornhill’s tries. He also did very well in trying to take Thornhill forward when they seemed intent on repeatedly shooting themselves in the foot.

Full back Rob Copley also had a solid game with some good cover tackles as he acted as the last line of defence.

Thornhill opened the scoring with a penalty goal through Craig Holmes after Skirlaugh had been ruled to be off side at a kick. The home team continued to look strong in the opening exchanges until winger Scott Redgwick appeared to be the victim of a spear tackle. Whilst in the process of being unceremoniously dumped from a height Redgwick lost possession just inside Thornhill’s half of the field.

Winger Brendan Lewis snatched the loose ball and set off on a run down the touchline before cutting in field. Lewis breezed passed a Thornhill defender before touching down for a try. Jordan Precious converted.

Skirlaugh’s next score came when they opted to put a long kick into Thornhill territory on the first tackle. Thornhill winger Daniel Annakin collected the ball and set off on a run. However, Annakin was guilty of not carrying the ball securely and as the Skirlaugh defence moved in on him he lost control. Carl Puckering picked up the stray ball and to the embarrassment of Daniel Annakin sprinted over for a try which Jordan Precious converted.

This set the pattern of play for Thornhill as they simply couldn’t keep hold of the ball and failed to complete any sets of six in the run up to half time. Unnecessary passes were forced and Skirlaugh lapped up the possession.

The second half continued just as the first half had ended. Liam Morley tried to off load the ball the Matthew Roberts. The ball landed at the feet of Matthew Roberts and before he had chance to reach down to pick it up, Mark Danville had gained possession for Skirlaugh. Danville set off on a run from the half way line and crossed for a try which Precious converted.

Skirlaugh fullback and their M.O.M. Jordan Precious in full flight.

First on the try trail for Thornhill was James Folan when he opted to take a tap penalty close to the try line. This quick tap caught Skirlaugh out and Folan barged over for an unconverted try.

However, Folan’s good work was soon cancelled out when Danny Lee made a complete hash of off loading the ball and Skirlaugh once again took control. Danny Lee knew what he had done and remained face down on the floor out of embarrassment as Brendan Lewis picked up the ball on the half way to streak away and over for a try. Precious converted.

Down but not out Thornhill had a late flurry and began to chase the game. First James Folan charged onto a Richard Pachniuk pass to go over for a try. Craig Holmes converted.