Sat 11 Apr 2026
Ashington were away to high flying Houghton who, mathematically, need a win to clinch promotion although they had almost certainly achieved that already. Ash got off to a bad start conceding a penalty in front of their own posts straight from the kick off. Houghton mounted sustained pressure in the Ash 22 but the defence stood firm until 17 mins into the game when Houghton crossed for a converted try to take a 10-0 lead. Within 3 mins Ash launched a superb counter attack from deep in their own half and Lansbury finished off with the try converted by Arkle. Two minutes later Scantelbury was yellow carded for a high tackle and Houghton took full advantage of the 10 minute spell before half time when Ash were down to 14 players, scoring 3 tries 2 of which were converted. Ash struck back right on half time with a Merryweather try for a half time score of 27-12.
The home side scored another 5 mins into the second half before Reynolds capitalised on a great run from Jonny Arkle from a tap penalty on half way and finished off on the left. Arkle converting for a 39-19 score. Ash kept up the pressure and following as superb break by Lansbury from his own half, Reynolds was again on hand to secure Ashington's fourth try and bonus point. Arkle again converting the try. at this point Ash were very much back in the game at 39-26 but Houghton kicked a long range penalty to ensure that Ash would need a further 3 scores to take the lead. Ash managed to contain the home side until 5 mins from the end when Houghton ran in a further 2 converted tries for a well deserved 56-26 win.
Ashington's Man of the Match was Jonny Arkle who made some superb breaks and kicked some tricky conversions while running the game for Ash from his fly-half role
Many congratulations to Houghton on their promotion and we wish them well for next season.
Next Saturday Ash entertain Whitley Bay Rockliffe at The Rec for what should be a cracking game. There will also be the bonus of Ash U13's v Whitley Bay Rockliffe U13's as a curtain raiser to the 1st team game so get there early to support our current and future players!!!
Report by Gordon Conway
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