It was a welcome return to winning ways as Askeans triumphed over Greenwich 43 – 12.
Despite the main pitch being frost bound, Ground Manager Danny Rouse once more worked miracles to ensure we had a pitch in excellent condition.
Several injuries from last week’s game meant that Askeans had the feeling of a ‘scratch’ side and initially, the sides appeared evenly matched, with both looking to play open and expansive rugby.
Askeans’ discipline and focus, however, ensured that they soon worked out an excellent game plan – Keep the ball in hand, follow up on strong forward runs, recycle possession and get it out to the fleet footed backs. Combined with dominance in the set scrum and winning own ball in the lineouts, Askeans began to exert control, with Roddy scoring a penalty from in front of the posts.
3 - 0
It wasn’t long before Askeans were in the Greenwich 25 once more. The ball was passed across the backs from a penalty and Charlie Grist drove over from a resultant maul.
8 - 0
Askeans were looking to maintain momentum and it was a surprise when, from a scrum in midfield, when Askeans strongly drove back their opponents, a Greenwich back broke through Askeans back line and scored an excellent try.
8 – 5
For a while, Greenwich came back into the game and Askeans discipline in defence – which was evident throughout the game - came to the fore.
Askeans weathered the Greenwich rally and once more exerted their own pressure and from yet another penalty close to the Greenwich goal line, after a few drives, Nick Patten dived over for a try. Roddy converted.
15 – 5
Half time was approaching and one wondered if Askeans could maintain their focus, discipline and continue to deliver their game plan. They clearly could - Once more, they moved to the Greenwich goal line, forced another penalty and Roddy took a quick tap, catching the Greenwich defence napping and dived over for a try – and converted as well!
22 – 5
HALF TIME
The first half performance had been excellent and the second half started in equally dominant fashion. A brilliant break on the right by Toby Rush, with good support and Lewis Bainbridge scored. Roddy converted.
29 – 5
Greenwich came back and camped in Askeans’ 25 but as throughout the game, Askeans defence forced an error, this time a knock on, to relieve the pressure.
The next try by Askeans encapsulated the game……..
……Excellent counter attacking from midway, excellent running and support in forwards and backs, good discipline in retaining the ball, moving into the Greenwich 25, pressure forcing another penalty, from which Dave O’Connor scored a try, converted once more by Roddy
36 - 5
Greenwich must be commended for never giving up and they came back with a couple of good runs – and then, as if to reinforce Askeans’ dominance, Will Simpson scored an excellent try, converted by Roddy
43 – 5
It was close to No-Side, when Greenwich piled on more pressure and scored an excellent try.
43 – 12
Game Over!
Askeans suffered a couple of injuries in the game, which enabled super sub Danny Walkden to take to the field in the second half.
An excellent result, in style as well as outcome, which leaves Askeans in a good league position just behind the leaders
Askeans Team
1. Owen Liston
2.Jack Fiennes
3. Nick Patten
4. Tom Henderson
5. Dom Brown
6. Will Simpson
7. Charlie Grist
8. Dave O’Connor
9. Aaron Thompson
10. James Roddy
11. Toby Rush
12. Lewis Bainbridge
13. Tom Salmon
14. Stuart White
15. Igor Pestrikov
16. Danny Walkden
17. Cellan Ellis
18. Mike Apollonatos
Our next game:
Saturday 27th January, 2.00 pm vs Canterbury III
See you there!