Askeans 20 Greenwich 11 “Winning isn’t everything, It’s the only thing”
Vince Lombardi (Legendary Coach of Green Bay Packers)
Breaking News!
Counties 4 Kent Shield Semi - Final confirmed!
Askeans vs. Old Gravesendians
Saturday 4th March 2023 - 3.00 PM KO
The Rectory Field, Charlton Road SE7 7EY
Come along and support Askeans in their biggest game in years!
Before the game the Family Day at Askeans proved extremely popular and it was great to see some old faces amongst the crowd at the buffet including Alan Eastick, Graham Briggs, ever present Tony Mimms and Chris Peters and especially Dave Evans who it was pleasing to see has recovered from his recent surgery.
It was also excellent to see Len Jeffrey once more and Club Captain Dave O’Connor – his first visit to the Rectory Field since the Club Dinner last April and in recovery following a rubbishy 12 months, health wise
The Family Day spirit was in further evidence with Joe Field and Family, Paul Clarke and one of his boys, Roddy’s Family, 'Man of the Match' Jack Fiennes parents and players’ Friends.
It wasn’t actually that pretty on the field at the Rectory Field on Saturday but Askeans showed that they certainly know how to win.
They eschewed the fast tempo of the previous few games to adopt a more measured approach with their place in the semi-final of the Kent 4 Shield already secured.
It was a hesitant start and uncharacteristically Roddy missed a couple of early penalties, by contrast Greenwich popped over two early kicks to go into a 6-0 lead.
Dismissing his earlier kicks Roddy then slotted one to cut their lead to just 3.
Taking advantage of a yellow card for Greenwich, the team upped the tempo and two flowing movements resulted in Jack Henderson scoring 2 tries in as many minutes to give Askeans a healthy 15-6 advantage at half time.
The second half was a game of attrition with Askeans having to show their mettle in defence, a half which was littered with injuries and substitutes.
It looked relatively comfortable until a succession of penalties led to Charlie King and Jack Henderson being yellow carded almost simultaneously.
Askeans defence continued to hold out until Greenwich managed a driving maul to cut their deficit to only 4 points (that’s 15-11 to save you trying to work it out).
Roddy took a speculative shot at goal to wind the clock down before an attack down the left saw Sam Jordan dive over for an excellent try.
3 wins on the bounce and top of Pool B. A great way to finish the Family Day at the club.
An excellent day ended with players and friends doing a pub crawl of 10 pubs – All survived – including the pubs!
Askeans Squad
Forwards
Devon Maynard, Daniel Walkden, Rob Stanley, Ciaran O’Flynn, Henry Gillett, Jack Fiennes, Lewis Bainbridge, Nick Patten
Backs
Charlie King, James Roddy, Niall Ryan, Diarmuid Morrissey, Jack Henderson,
Fionn O’Connor, Harrison Sandford
Subs
Ghazie Kadi, Sam Jordan, Austin Wright.
Felix Bychawski – Match Day Assistant
Glenn Filer – Referee Liaison Officer
Counties 4 Kent Shield Semi - Final confirmed!
Askeans vs. Old Gravesendians
Saturday 4th March 2023 - 3.00 PM KO
The Rectory Field, Charlton Road SE7 7EY
Come along and support Askeans in their biggest game in years!