Junior Vase Fourth Round

Pulborough 5

Croydon 19

DAVE Thornton was the hero on Saturday as his hat-trick helped Croydon march on to the fifth Round of the Junior Vase with victory against Pulborough.

Thornton scored a hat-trick against the current leaders of Sussex League One, despite dislocating his knee cap only two weeks ago.

Facing a biting wind in the first half, Croydon made a dream start with Thornton breaking clear from 40 metres and side stepping the full-back for a great try, which was converted by Alex Warsop.

Croydon defended their lead doggedly as the hosts played with the wind, but conceded a push over try when reduced to 14 men, Thornton having been yellow carded for an early tackle after a tap penalty in the 'red zone'.

But Croydon's defence remained solid otherwise and five minutes from the break, Croydon made a rare foray into enemy territory for a crucial second try.

This time, Craig Bond stole a line out and most players handled in a series of moves before Thornton surged over in the left corner. Despite being ahead and with the wind, Croydon were still not safe as, to their credit, Pulborough fought back well in the second half.

And Pulborough almost scored from a rolling maul, before somehow, David Wheeler emerged with the ball to clear the danger.

Warsop's kicking, however, was ensuring that Croydon had plenty of good field position and on 68 minutes they made the game safe as Thornton completed his hat-trick, picking up a recycled ball five metres from the line to plunge over by the posts.

First team manager, Trevor Davies, said after the game that the result was a welcome return to form for Croydon following a disappointing run in the league.

He said: "I am really pleased as that is just what we needed.

"We really won it in the first half and the win is good for team spirit. Hopefully we can emulate that now in the league."

Davies reserved a special mention for Jake Henderson, who he said was outstanding as an emergency scrum-half, while he also praised hat-trick hero Thornton and Craig Bond.

He said: "We are into the last eight in the London area now.

"It is exciting times and we would just like a home game in the next round."