Sat 5 Mar 2022
In a game played in a strong diagonal cross field wind Ash blew a 19-0 lead in a disappointing second half performance.
The game had a scrappy start with the home side having the better field positions in the first 20minutes without looking like scoring, due to a solid Ash defence with Jack Whiting looking classy at fullback. Ash also benefited from a couple of early Jack Rutherford drives playing his first game in 3years.
After 25 minutes, in what was Ashingtons first fluent move Steven Parsons broke through the centre, he found Rich Harmer in support who in turn fed Owen Hayton who crossed for the first try, Arkle adding the conversion.
From the restart Ash were forced to defend but from deep in his 22 Whiting broke out of defence, chipped over the covering defence and collected his own kick and out paced the defence to score an excellent individual try, Arkle adding his second conversion.
Ash further extended their lead after 38 minutes, a Mathew Webster drive was picked up by the sidestepping Adam Junk who fed Parsons who scored Ashingtons 3rd try.
With half time beckoning, Ash seemed to relax and a missed tackle saw Shields cross for a converted try with the last play of the half.
Coach Hayton used his bench at half time bringing on Nichol, Howie and Brown, and whilst all 3 made positive contributions during the second half the changes and injuries to Smart and Moffat seemed to disrupt Ashingtons rhythm, whilst the Shields try just before half time seemed to galvanise the home side, who played the second half with real commitment and passion. Ash began to miss tackles as Shields ran in 4 unanswered second half tries to give them the win their second half performance deserved.
For Ash, Greg Henderson was man of the match for his non stop ball carrying efforts.
Ash 2s had an excellent 41-17 home win against North Shields 2s as they continued their good run of form.
This Saturday 12 March, Ashington are at home to Barnard Castle, KO 3pm.
