Ashbourne v Newark 2nds

Disappointment in Derbyshire!! This started before we even took the field of play, the look on the faces of the lads and coach said it all………14 players!! It set the scene for what was also to be a tough game against a strong Ashbourne.

Conditions were excellent and at the start of the game both sides really threw themselves into the challenge, particularly Newark who did not now seem to have a care about being a man down!! Newark’s line speed proved to be the key at closing down the home side attacking phases which came strongly and surprisingly down the middle of the park, putting in some heavy tackles Newark lost Jules Richardson to a head injury, 13 men now!! Newark’s line speed was adjudged to be too quick and they were caught off-side, the resultant penalty cost them the first score 7-0. Ashbourne were a good solid side and played some ‘strong’ close contact rugby. Newark were not fazed by the score but with 13 men it was not long before they would suffer, cometh hour cometh the men! Richard Byrom takes the field uttering the words I shouldn’t be doing this, Newark’s 3 spectators chipped in to help, Jamie Mawer on the flag myself on drinks and Pandora on vocals………what commitment to the club!!

Newark continued to ‘battle like lions’ Tom Mawer among others lead the way with his tenacious work at scrum half and the forwards put in some hard work in the scrums. Ash extended their lead with two more converted tries 21-0 before Newark finally got on the board with a well-deserved try, their work in defence frustrated the home side with Newark winning turn over after turn over to clear their lines. With Ash camped on Newark’s 22 the forwards secured the ball, a pop pass then found its way into the hands of the charging Robby Hunter Shaw who broke the line and left the home side dead in the water and scored to give Newark some hope at half time 7-21 with Macky’s conversion.

An inspired team talk set the scene for Newark in the second half you would have guessed that the score line was the other way around, fighting like lions is an understatement and despite some excellent defence Ash scored again 7-28. Bodies on the line comes to mind and that certainly was the case for prop Jordan Hempstead who now could hardly walk due to a back injury however he continued to put in some good work along with Nick Barton crashing the line with some nice carries.

Newark’s backs also made some tremendous contributions showing Ashbourne how to play some quality open play but numbers were always going to play a part particularly at the breakdown were Newark’s pack struggled to keep up with the pace as they tired. Newark continued to pressure Ashbourne and left 3 or more scoring opportunities in the home sides 22. With Ash’s defence knowing how to disrupt and slow down play and Newark tiring a further break away tries all well worked ended Newark’s afternoon with a 7-49 defeat.

A great game!! Ashbourne quite rightly hammered home their home and man advantage and were I think appreciative of an opposition who made a game of it!!

Home next week and 14 player we’ll see!!