Sat 18 Sep 2021
Unfortunately Whitby turned up with a depleted side due to injury and unavailablity and Ashington were able to capitalise almost immediatley. Ashington's man of the match Ian Brierley scored a try within 2 mins from a line out catch and drive. Good passing in the Whitby 22 led to Ash 2nd row Johnson crashing over after 8 mins for a scoreline of 10-0 to Ash. Shortly after Brierley was denied a try when he lost possession when crossing the line but made amends soon afterwhen he crashed over from 5 metres with Arkle adding the conversion. 5 mins later Ash fly half Eissa made great interception in his own half to pass to Dickinson who sprinted in from 30 metres to score with the conversion from Arkle for a 24-0 score. Next to score was Cory Whitworth who picked up a dropped pass from the Whitby centres in the Ash half and outsprinted the defence to score near the posts again converted by Arkle. Before half time Brierly added his 3rd try and veteran Darren Dickinson added his second with Arkle adding adding another conversion for a half time score of 43-0
Ash started strongly in the second half adding tries by Johnson and Arkle in the first 5 mins, both converted by Arkle and Arkle scored another from 40 metres out after 52 mins which he converted for a 64-0 scoreline. The Ash fullback, Andrew Elliott, making a long awaited return, was sin-binned for a high tackle near the Ash line and Whitby, to their credit, scored a try and showed great spirit.
Due to injuries to Whitby players and the fact that they were now down to 13 players with some of those carrying injuries, the Referee decided to end the game some 20 minutes early, however the result stood at 64-5 to Ash and a 5 point bonus win.
Next week the 1st XV are away to Bishop Auckland who have started the season strongly and Ash will need to be at their best.
