RUGBY UNION: Thurston 21, Stowmarket 20. There were tremendous scenes at Robinson Field, as amazed supporters were witness to one of the great comebacks in local rugby.

Thurston 21, Stowmarket 20

There were tremendous scenes at Robinson Field, as amazed supporters were witness to one of the great comebacks in local rugby.

The favourites, Stowmarket surged ahead in the first half, despite Thurston pressure in the first 10 minutes.

After half an hour Speed was replaced by Milford and the match almost looked over, three tries from the Stowmarket centre / coach, one penalty and one conversion, had almost certainly condemned Thurston to miss their first Suffolk Plate Final in 4 years.

With the wind and the hill in the second half, Thurston were able to set up camp in the Stowmarket half, and with the away side losing their heads, the stage was set.

Flannagan and Wreathall had things more their own way, and Green, Ed and Tully were able to look for more gaps.

With 15 minutes to go, the score was still 0 - 20, and the sides were down to 14 each as 2 players were sin-binned.

After another powerful drive by the forwards, the Peachey managed to dive over from the back of a ruck, and Mills kicked from the touchline to make it 7 - 20.

Stowmarket lost another player to the sin-bin for persistent offending, and Thurston managed to take advantage, as Proctor scored after great driving from Goldthorpe, Greening and Melvin. Again Mills converted and with only five minutes remaining the score was 14 - 20.

Stowmarket's kick off did not go 10, and the scrum set up an number of lineouts on the Stow line. Again the ball carriers could not find a way through, and when the ball spilled after hard work from Edgar and Wilson the ball got to Vooght who went over for the try.

The score was 19 - 20. Mills kicked the conversion and the final whistle blew.

A game no one will forget.

Thurston travel to a strong Southwold side for their 4th consecutive Senior Suffolk Plate final away from home next Sunday February 10.