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crowd of around 400 witnessed a fantastic game of unforgiving, tough,
open cup rugby with the under dogs of Ashton Bears overcoming another
Premiership side in the shape of a strong Wigan St Cuthberts. Ashton
opened the scoring as early as the fifth minute when a short ball from
Dave Picton allowed Dave Hughes to crash over the line. St Cuthberts
took the initiative when Ashton had a lad sin binned and eventually
took a 10-6 lead. However, with Man of the match Alex Peet
starting to run at the heart of the defence, Ashton started to pile on
the pressure and when Stuart Millett found in form winger, Steven
Naylor with a sublime pass, the winger graciously took the ball to go
over in the corner. The impressive Matty Melling bagged his second
conversion. Ashton 12-10 half time.
Ashton were now on top and shortly into the second half, following some
great handling, Steve Smith went over. Cuthberts hit back when they
were awarded a penalty try. The game was now becoming tense, but with
Ashton’s new found resolve and belief, they were rewarded with a
fantastic, match winning try when Andy Bailey made just enough room to
slip a gorgeous ball to Steven Naylor and the winger raced past the
floundering defence to score under the post.
Again
Matt Melling was flawless with his kicking, making it four out of four.
Stuart Millett then took full advantage of good field position to land
a drop goal.
Cuthberts scored a consolation try right at the end, however it was too
late and Ashton took their place in the final were they will play Bank
Quay Bulls on 27th December at Liverpool St Helens R.U.
Ashton
tries - Ste Naylor 2, David Hughes, Ste Smith
Ashton
Goals - Matty Melling 4
Ashton
Drop Goals - Stuart Millet
Top
Tackler - Peter Shaw 35
Top
Hit-Ups - Keiron Spruce 16
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