Miners dig a hole for themselves

The Miners twice held commanding leads, 12-0 towards half time and 18-10 shortly after the break, but the majority of the second half was played in the Miners half as the Trojans hit back through the inspirational Danny Howley to secure a deserved win.

The omens weren't good for the Miners before kick off as a bug sweeping the club accounted for five players. But they opened like a house on fire with sustained pressure. The Thornhill defence was wobbling and Jim Thompson put Tommy Goulden through a gap to score by the posts. Thompson converted and the Miners appeared set to build on their early lead.

They survived a few scares before building on their advantage, prop Bryn Hodson stretching over for his first senior try. Thompson again added the extras.

In command

At 12-0 the Miners were in command but Thornhill served notice of their intent when the outstanding Howley snapped up a loose Pilkington pass to steam in. With the last move of the half the visitors crossed again, switching the ball across the pitch and sub Richard Williams got in under the posts despite Reddicliffe's's despairing tackle. Craig Holmes added the conversion.

Normal service appeared resumed when the Miners scored early in the second half when a bomb was spilled by Thornhill and Goulden was in for his second, converted by Thompson.

The comeback started in the final quarter when Jason Firth crossed wide out. Holmes added an excellent conversion and Thornhill's tails were up. Three minutes later they broke in numbers from half way and Richard Bainton snapped up an easy touchdown.

With 10 minutes left Wayne Loney added a field goal and despite some late Miners pressure, Thornhill held on for a merited victory.

The Miners are at home again on Saturday when East Leeds are the visitors.