Thornton Cleveleys 22 Chorley 2nds 13

3:59pm Monday 11th February 2008

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It was always going to be a difficult away trip at Thornton who hadn't lost in six games, and it was not made any easier by several Chorley players arriving as the game was kicking off.

This was not the best preparation for this important game.

Chorley started slowly with the Thornton forwards running good lines and scoring an early try.

This woke Chorley up, and after excellent lineouts and numerous scrums against the head with Chris Reed and new recruit from France Sebastian Horrocks playing well in the front row Chorley got two penelties to make it 8-6.

With a Chorley player sinbinned Thornton took advantage with a penalty and a try.

But Chorley were playing well now, especially in defence, with Geoff Fielding putting in some great hits and flanker Steve Goodman scored under the posts.

The second half started same as the first with Thornton's forwards running at Chorley, but once again getting no where as Chorley kept putting them backwards with some great tackles.

Chorley lost two players to injuries midway through the second half and Thornton scored a try against the run of play.

They then lost another player to the sin bin as the pack was tiring at the end and Thornton scored again to finish off a spirited effort from the Chorley team.

Chorley captain Phil Callander said: "This was a very good defensive performance against an in-form big set of lads.

"Geoff Fielding played very well but unfortunately today as we were not prepared before the game started after a long journey.

"Even though I know I sound like Alex Ferguson Iinjuries and sinbins didn't help!

"But everyone played well."

Chorley face a tough match at home to top of the table Wigan next weekend who beat Chorley 75-0 at the start of the season.