Rugby update

THE weather has decimated Thornbury RFC's recent calendar of games.

Initially the pitches resembled concrete due to the frost - then, following the thaw and rain, those same pitches turned into boggy swamps.

In between, Thornbury staged their annual Christmas charity rugby match with the PROPS Barbarians, a team made up of players from Bristol community rugby clubs.

The match raised over £3,100 for the charity supporting young adults with learning difficulties.

With the Second XV and Ladies matches called off, the First XV did venture to Gloucester to take on league leaders Matson.

They returned having lost 8-5, and reflected that it was one that got away.

On February 4 the club will take a social team to Chiswick in London to play the local rugby club in a game in memory of Rob Tillen, a player with both clubs who passed away in 2022.

Dave Fox

Taylor, Mandy McGarry and player-of-the-match Lou Lou Taylor dealt effectively with their attacks.

Esther Jenkinson calmed home nerves when she scored

Thornbury's second goal but the visitors continued to search for one of their own, which duly came following a shot which cruelly deflected past Hannah Kemp in goal.