Thornhill 22 Blackbrook 20 DESPITE a magnificent performance, results elsewhere ensured Brook's return to division two by virtue of a slightly inferior points difference.
Blackbrook opened the scoring with an early penalty goal from Jason Mitchell, but midway through the first half winger Barry Drummond crashed over in the corner to put Thornhill ahead.
Five minutes later, former Featherstone Rovers stand-off Martin Fox punished a defensive error in midfield by sending half-back partner, Julian Yarrow on a 35-metre run to the posts. Richard Bainton added the conversion.
As the interval approached Brook scrum-half Darren Mitchell, rounded off a superb touchline run by centre Chris Webber, with a try near the posts, Jason Mitchell's easy conversion reduced and deficit to two points.
Blackbrook went ahead on 47 minutes when following a delightful chip to the corner by Steve Molyneux, Chris Webber rose above two defenders to collect and crashed over close to the flag.
Martin Fox levelled the scores at 14 all with an unconverted try, but the sin binning of visiting player following an overspill of enthusiasm in a tackle decisively tipped the scales Thornhill's way. Further unconverted tries from former professionals Fox and Rob Hoyle during this ten minute period gave the homesters valuable breathing space at 22-10.
However, Blackbrook upped the tempo again with Ian Buckley, Andy Fisher, Phil Smith and Darren Mitchell brought the visitors back in contention at 22-20 with 10 minutes remaining.
The outcome hung in the balance right up to the death, as Brook sought an all important match winning try. But the homesters clung on tenaciously to their slender lead, much to the relief of their followers.
Darren Mitchell received the Blackbrook/Construction Power Services man of the match accolade, with Ian Buckley, Andy Fisher, Phil Smith and Gareth Hill worthy contenders.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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