THORNBURY 27 CHOSEN HILL FP 13

Buoyed by the return of skipper and scrum half John Wand, Chosen opened the scoring after five minutes when wing forward Mike Panting powered over for a try near the corner but full back Ross Creed was unable to add the conversion and two minutes later the home side went ahead when number eight George Maggs crossed for a try converted by centre Rob Higgitt.

A penalty goal from Creed put Chosen back in front but a similar score from Higgitt regained the lead for Thornbury after a minor skirmish had seen one player from each side sin-binned. With half time approaching Thornbury increased their lead when some weak Chosen defence allowed winger Dan Hussey to cross for a try converted by Higgitt.

The second half proved a pretty even contest but a couple more defensive lapses from Chosen allowed Thornbury wingers Beyer and Hussey to grab unconverted tries to give their side a 27 – 8 lead.

Driven on by skipper Wand, Chosen showed definite signs of improvement with centres Steve Merrick and Max Hough and the back row of Tom Gyde, Mike Panting and the returning Ian Riddel all catching the eye. The Chosen line out was also working well with second rows James Hemming and Rich Planchant both in good form.

With full time approaching Chosen piled on the pressure and their efforts finally paid off when forwards and backs combined well to send young winger Jamie Gamble over in the corner for an unconverted try.

Next Saturday, Chosen entertain second placed Avonmouth Old Boys, with a 2.30 kick off at Brookfield Road.