Sharks Open the Season in Style

In one of the most memorable performances of recent seasons, Gordano managed to integrate a string of fresh faces into the side and after a hesitant start, put together a sensational display dominating every aspect of the game.

Sharks looked vulnerable in the opening fifteen minutes of the match as Thornbury stifled the new attacking partnerships and struck back decisively taking advantage of indifferent tackling. Full back Holmes-Mcadam saved one try attempt on the line but was unable to prevent a second effort minutes later as Broncos star player Shipton raced down the wing to open the scoring in the corner.

The visitors struck back immediately when fly half Alex Walder penetrated the home defence with a dazzling run before selflessly passing the ball out to new boy Josh Adams to score his first try for Gordano. Thereafter the game was one way traffic as Sharks scored with a series of well worked moves all over the pitch. Maiden tries for debutant James Grindle and veteran scrum half Toby Baxter were of particular note as was a reverse offload on the line by Adams to allow Hufford to score. It was team captain Walder who kept the pressure on with a solo try as the second half opened and winger Ollie Povey scored with another of his fearless runs down the line whilst Holmes Mcadam collected a brace from close range. When centre Ed Moss ran the ball over the line directly from another kick off, it was particularly demoralising for the home side. Broncos struggled with injuries to key players but the superiority of the visitors was evident in all aspects of play and despite their best efforts the home side rarely posed a threat to the rampant Sharks who scored at will throughout the second half.

This was a quality effort all round as the Forwards controlled set pieces - Sam Edwards and Joe Hufford won almost every line out, and the Backs closed down at speed whilst achieving impressive width and pace in attack. It was particularly satisfying to see positive contributions from all parts of the pitch and the scoring honours shared so widely across the side.

HT 5-27
FT: 5-63

Scorers

Sharks Tries: Josh Adams (2), James Grindle (2), Noah Holmes-Mcadam(2), Ed Moss, Ollie Povey, Alex Walder, Joe Hufford, Toby Baxter Conv: Ed Moss (2), Alex Walder (2)

Thornbury Try: Tighe Shipton