STROUD were hopeful of avenging a last minute defeat at Rockhampton earlier in the season but Thornbury, playing with the confidence of a side that had charged into the promotion places, ran out comfortable winners.

Earlier, Stroud's defence held firm for 27 minutes, when Thornbury kicked behind the home side's back line and Sam Olde was first to the loose ball to secure an unconverted try.

The second score arrived right on the interval when good handling resulted in an unconverted try in the corner for Alex Kane.

A 10-0 lead was no more than Thornbury deserved and, with an injured Seb Dix replaced by Hector Cobbe,, Stroud knew they had work to do.

After 42 minutes, more good handling by Thornbury led to an unconverted try for An Hussey and, seven minutes later, Dai Matthews took a quick tap penalty and ran through acres of space for a try. Tim Stephens slotted the conversion and the visitors were comfortably placed at 22-0. After this setback, Stroud started to come more into the game. After 57 minutes, with the ball being kept alive through several phases, Matt Fogarty was released to cross wide out.

However, it was a case of too little too late as they had to wait until two minutes from time for another score. Good handling released Cobbe for an unconverted try which left Thornbury worthy winners at 22-10.

STAR MAN : Matt Fogarty.

Next up: Stroud have an away league game at Barton Hill on Saturday, , kick-off 2.30pm.The Nomads have a home Merit Table game against Chosen Hill also 2.30pm.