Chorley 15, Thornton Cleveleys 16

12:11pm Monday 21st April 2008

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Chorley, looking for their third win in a row in the last game of the season, failed to hold out against a Thornton side who never gave up The home side began with a superb opening score.

Martin Whitfield releasing captain Simon Frost on an angle which saw him evade four attempts to haul him down, before popping a pass to winger Rigbye who went in under the sticks.

Whitfield added the conversion and a penalty shortly afterwards.

Thornton kicked a score into a strong headwind to keep them in touch.

Before the half was out John Jackson broke the visitors defence for second time giving the home side a 12 point cushion.

The second half saw Chorley playing into the wind, but with the points advantage should have held out. Thornton made best use of the elements kicking Chorley back into their own half and taking their chances as they arose Chorley who should have kept the game tight with a dominant pack, either kicked or spilt any good possession away. A try for the visitors came from a defensive error which was converted.

This was followed by two late penalties which gave the visitors a one point advantage going in to the final minutes.

One late attempt at a drop goal was missed by the home side.