Trojans produce superb fightback to take spoils

Tries from Tim Robinson, Joe Crossland and Chris Hartley, together with two Rob Culshaw goals, had Thornhill on the rack.

The Trojans re-shuffled and, led by man-of-the-match Liam Morley, they began to claw their way back,

Adam Bird capped his best game in some time by scoring two tries and he was brimming with confidence on the wing.

Bret Simmonds got Thornhill up and running when he swatted off a defender and stormed 30 metres for the try, which Mark Hodgson converted.

Normanton held out until half-time but soon after the break a high kick was allowed to bounce into the in-goal area and youngster Tyler Oakes pounced for an unconverted try.

Thornhill levelled when Josh Clough gathered a Simmonds pass and raced 30 metres for the try and Hodgson converted.

Oakes was sent off for kicking out following a 64th minute altercation.

Normanton’s resulting penalty rebounded off a post and the ball was moved quickly to Bird who raced over half the length of the field for a crucial try which Hodgson improved.

Prop Dave Evans plunged over for a try at the other end and Culshaw’s goal levelled matters at 22-22.

Bird scored the match winner when he collected the ball and cut inside on a brilliant solo run to the posts, with Hodgson converting.