Thorne, the current holders of the trophy, were leading 13-11 with 15 minutes remaining when Wheatley attempted a long range drop goal, the ball falling under the bar. However, to the surprise of everyone, the referee awarded the drop kick for Wheatley to take the lead.

Thorne who had defeated Wath 12-3 and Doncaster Phoenix 45-7 in the previous rounds, never recovered from the setback and lost 17-13.

The previous Saturday, Thorne completed their league programme with a 25-14 victory over South Yorkshire rivals Wath. Prior to the game the monthly pre-match lunch took place; 85 members enjoyed a three-course meal.

A large crowd saw winger Ben Robson score an early try for Thorne. Fly half Jono Storey added two further tries, kicked two conversions and two penalties for a personal tally of 20 points.

The first team, who have played over 30 games this season, have not enjoyed one of their most successful seasons. However, the spirit and the commitment of the players has remained first class and great credit must go to director of rugby Mark Lloyd, coach Ian Wigham and skipper Dave Potts for their hard work throughout the long season.

Ian Wigham is now stepping down as coach in order to re-form a third senior team; gone are the days when Thorne ran six senior tems. However, Ian is confident a third side is possible.

Thorne's second team finished fourth in the Yorkshire Merit League of 14 clubs.

The Under 17s, most of the players having progressed through the various age groups within the club, were crowned champions of the Yorkshire League.

At Under 16 level, the team also had an outstanding season winning the Yorkshire Plate Competition defeating Moortown 35-0 in the final.

The Under 14s, Under 13s and Minis all had a highly successful season, all winning the majority of their games.

The manning and organisation of so many teams involves an army of committed volunteers and Thornensians are very fortunate in this respect, having officials and volunteers looking after 150 playing members and 300 non-playing members.

A special mention must also go to the ladies who provide meals for all the players after each match, arrange dinners and cater for all social occasions.

Pic caption:
Pinxton 1 Hatfield Main 1

MAIN (pictured above) signed off their first season in the Central Midlands Supreme Division with a draw at Pinxton. After going behind to a first half goal, Kirk Frost scored the equaliser. Twice most spectators thought that Hatfield should have been awarded a penalty, but the referee thought otherwise.
The season has been very satisfactory considering most of the team left for pastures new some time ago, and management team Gary Brown and Mark Sheppard have done well to find players capable of preventing a collapse. Hopes are high for next season.