Thornleigh 28
Old Boltonians 15

Sunday November 3rd 2002

Joe Lomax has sent the following report:

Once again Thornleigh Former Pupils defeated the old rivals from Bolton School. Eighteen players turned out for the side, who where cheered on by a healthy crowd, made up mainly of Thornleigh Former Pupils. Boltonians had a few selection problems and had to use the services of some colts players from the rugby club (Thornleigh sixth form students at that !), however the younger team could not match the fitness levels of the older and wiser Thornleigh team. Old Bolts took an early two try lead and their superior pace in the backs looked to be causing Thornleigh problems.

A change of tactics forced Thornleigh back into the game and Brian Blears crossed to score and close the gap, after Steve Harrison was unlucky not to score. Barry Henderson kicked the conversion to make the score 10-7. Bolts replied with a well worked try by their backs, to once again increase their lead. Thornleighs forwards then started to boss the game and the Owen brothers, Rick and Dave, both scored as Thornleigh crossed the line on three more occasions, Barry kicking all the conversions, to give a final score of, Thornleigh Former Pupils 28 Old Boltonians 15.

Fitness told in the end! But Monday morning was a struggle!

Thornleigh team:

Paul Fernside Dave Owen Paul Stanley
Rick Owen Tony Mugan Dominic Holden
Mark Turner Peter Jackson Craig Ackers
Derek Keogh Sean Casey Matt Unsworth
Sean Crimmins Brian Blears Steve Harrison
Paul Keegan Barry Henderson
+ Rob ? (new member of Thornleigh staff, sorry I have forgot his surname)