Askeans 19 - 32 Ashford
It was a bright day at the Rectory Field on Saturday and this was reflected by a similarly bright start against Ashford.
Twice in the first 10 minutes Askeans were held up just short of the opposition line. They continued to press but a wayward pass in the Ashford 22 led to a breakaway try against the run of play – to add further insult it was converted from wide out.
0 - 7
Soon after, Dom Brown was injured at the same time that Ashford lost a player to a yellow card for a high tackle.
Despite the one -man advantage, Askeans continued to be frustrated and several times were held within inches of crossing the line.
Ashford were back to 15 men and scored twice more from Askean mistakes – including a charge down – their kicker was making Owen Farrell look like a beginner as he continued to add points from difficult positions.
0 - 19
Right on half time, a speculative kick to the corner bounced awkwardly when it looked to have been made safe and their winger pounced to touch down.
Half time 0 - 26
The second half saw an Askean revival, similar to the one shown by Wales in the second half against Scotland!
The Ashford line was under siege and Charlie King forced his way over in the corner
5-26
A second score by Diarmuid Morrissey quickly followed with Roddy making a fine conversion from a difficult angle.
12-26
Suddenly Ashford were looking rattled and with some justification when Nick Patten picked up the ball and scored an excellent try from the 22, breaking several tackles on his way to the line. – Roddy again added the extras.
19 - 26
Ashford now looked nervously at the scoreboard, where the clock showed there was still 13 minutes to go. However, they still managed to hold the rampaging Askean forwards from crossing the line.
The Ashford concern was underlined when they opted to take two late long range penalties rather than kicking to the corner.
Their reliable kicker finally made the game safe just as the final whistle sounded – much to their obvious relief.
Final score 19 - 32
Almost a famous comeback from Askeans who will regret those couple of unforced errors in the first 40 minutes that prevented the fine second half from bringing victory.
This didn’t prevent the team from enjoying a fun time in the bar afterwards.
Askean players of the match:
Dom Brown, Charlie King and Diarmuid Morrissey
Next match:
Saturday 2nd March vs Old Beccehamians II - Away
Penned by Dave Shute