Saving the Best till last!
- Paul Walsh
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
(Or come in No.13, your time is up!)
Askeans 65 – 26 Park House II
This surely has to be one of the very best performances in recent years!
It wasn’t just the result, a comprehensive victory against Park House II who defeated Askeans 17 – 41 in the first league match of the season.
It was also the style of play. Askean players were full of confidence individually and as a team. They played at pace, with excellent running, movement and backing up – and such quick hands! It really was a joy to watch.
Before we talk about the match itself, sincere apologies from your intrepid reporter, who was totally confused by the profusion of No.13s on the pitch and who was scoring 😊.
Ian Lunn reliably informed me that 11 tries were scored in total, Sam Jordan scoring 4 and Lewis Bainbridge scoring 2 amongst others. So if in doubt, it is very likely that a No.13 scored!
The pack gave a great foundation in the scrum, lineout and loose, going on their own foraging runs, as well as releasing the backs.
Askeans were attacking from the off and but for a dropped pass, would have scored in the first couple of minutes. As it was, Park House scored first, after a couple of drives into Askeans’ half.
0 – 7, 8 minutes
Askeans’ responded well with a penetrating run by Jack Henderson and were denied a try by a deliberate knock -on, resulting in a penalty and yellow card.
From the penalty, Caleb Duffin went on a bullocking run (one of his many!) – a quick interchange of passes and Lewis Bainbridge crossed over for the opening try.
7- 7, 16 minutes
The pattern of the game was now set, with Askeans looking to play enterprising rugby. Lewis Bainbridge crossing over for a try soon after.
14 – 7, 20 minutes
From the kick off, Askeans came back immediately, and the score typified their excellent play. Vinny caught the ball and made a penetrating run, laying the ball back with support. The ball was recycled and passed quickly along the line for a No.13 to receive it on the wing, just beyond the halfway line. fending off tackles to score!
19 – 7, 24 minutes
There was no let up for Park House II and another try ensued, following an excellent kick and a fortuitous bounce.
24 – 7, 28 minutes
Park House II eventually stemmed the flow of Askeans’ attacks and after a period of pressure, were awarded a penalty try.
24 – 14, 34 minutes.
Even though half time approached, there was still time for another Askeans’ score. Jack Henderson made an excellent break, passed to Tom Salmon who then passed to a No.13 for another quality try – quick hands once more!
31 – 14 Half Time
There was no let up from Askeans in the second half and again, Jack Henderson was the instigator, cutting right through the Park House defence and passing to Lewis Bainbridge and even though held up just short of the line, he was able to pass to a No.13 to score.
38 – 14, 47 minutes
Another try soon followed – It was becoming too much to keep up!
43 – 14, 50 minutes
There was some respite for Park House as they scored their third try.
43 – 21,
Askeans had been excellently led by Nick Patten, marshalling the pack and effectively liaising with the referee and it was now his turn to make an excellent break and pass to Caleb Duffin to score.
50 – 21, 61 minutes.
There was a lull from scoring for 10 minutes and then the final 10 minutes were surreal – perhaps because a lot of the action was away from the main stand - and when Askeans inevitably scored, even the referee had an air of resignation about it all.
In that period, Askeans scored 2 tries in the far corner, from diligence and determination, picking up on Park House II mistakes, interspersed by Park House II scoring their final try, capitalising an Askeans’ loose pass. (Was it one of the No.13s who scored again? 😊)
65 – 26 Full Time
What an excellent way to finish one of the best seasons in years!
Many Congratulations to……………….
Captain, Nick Patten, who has led with an air of authority,
Head Coach Lee Smith and Backs Coach Alex Miller, whose imprint is so evident with the exciting, flowing rugby played with a ‘Joie de vivre’!
Our Evergreen Director of Rugby, Ian Lunn – at last, a winning season (If we include the draws!)
And of course, the players, who have risen to the challenge and played such enjoyable rugby to watch.!
A special mention also to newly appointed Assistant Medical Officer Danny Walkden, who strapped up his first couple of ankles on Saturday!!
Player of the Match: Caleb Duffin
Next Fixture: Annual Dinner, Friday 11th April, Dinner at 8 pm, Bar open beforehand
It’s a sell out!
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