Trojans prove too strong for Vikings

Thornhill used their trip to Humberside as a warm-up for their forthcoming National Conference campaign and they essentially had victory wrapped up inside the opening 25 minutes.

Thornhill pressed forward from the off and were assisted by a super four-try haul from centre Tom Ripley.

With man-of-the-match Joel Gibson at full-back, the Trojans used his kicking to good effect to put the Vikings onto the back foot with the strong wind at their backs.

Gibson’s crossfield kick, high into the wind, created the first try of the game as winger Sam Ratcliffe gathered to cross for an unconverted try.

Sam Ratcliffe had a fine game with determined running making good ground and one break created the next try.

With Thornhill camped on the Vikings’ line a brilliant pass from Danny Ratcliffe put Ripley over for his first try, which Gibson converted.

Gibson then strode away covering 30 metres to score between the posts and convert his own try.

Gibson once again made good use of the strong wind to chip into the corner and Mindaugas Bendikas pounced to score with Gibson adding the touchline goal.

Ripley took advantage of some sloppy tackling to barge his way over for a second try on the stroke of half-time and Thornhill were in control at 26-0.

Playing into the wind in the second half the Trojans attacking options were more limited but Sam Ratcliffe chipped forward and Ripley collected to go over for his hat-trick try. Sam Ratcliffe converted.

Trojans began to lose some intensity and Holderness took advantage to score two tries of their own.

Thornhill were penalised for holding down and stand-off Dan Suddaby dummied over for an unconverted try in the corner.

Hooker John McCloud then caught the Thornhill defence off guard to nip over for a try. Tom Grantham converted.

Thornhill had the final say when a chip forward to the in goal area from Danny Ratcliffe allowed Ripley to complete his fourth try of the afternoon.

Thornhill’s preparations for life in the National Conference League continue this Saturday with a pre-season clash at St Helens side Thatto Heath Crusaders (kick off 2pm).

A bus to Crusader Park (WA9 5JA) will depart Thornhill Sports and Community Centre at 11.30am, with supporters welcome.