|
Ashton
travelled the short distance to Haydock and despite a heroic effort and
being in control for most of the match, came away empty handed, losing
25-20 in the final minutes. Ashton started brightly and on the front
foot, narrowly missing a couple of opportunities early on. With man of
the match, Alex Peet causing havoc in the home defence with his trade
runs it looked like just a matter of time before Ashton put points on
the board. A move that looked like it had broke down turned out to
unlock the Haydock defence, with Stuart Millett collecting a loose ball
and passing a beautiful ball out to Chris Rothwell who did really well
to go over in the corner. Ashton were now on a roll and when, after
quick hands across the park, the ever busy Dave Picton produced a great
cut out pass to Steven Naylor who turned and twisted his way over the
line. Haydock hit back, however Ashton built up more pressure, and when
Steven Naylor took a great ball at full speed from Andy Bailey, it
looked like the winger had nowhere to go, but he came inside and weaved
his way through the defence to score. Matty Melling converted. Haydock
hit back just before halftime to make it 14-12 to the Bears.
Ashton
again started strongly in the second half, with some strong running
from Peter Shaw, Brent Knox and Scott Hughes, but it was Haydock who
took the lead. Ashton reclaimed the lead when Kevin Howells, who had
made some thunderous runs previously, took the ball at first receiver
and crashed his way over the line; taking two would be tacklers with
him. Again Matty Melling converted. Haydock equalised with ten minutes
to go.
Two
crucial decisions then went against Ashton. First a great break and off
load from Peter Shaw was deemed to be forward and secondly an attempted
drop goal by Dave Picton, which was heading over the posts but was
clearly deflected by a Haydock hand before going dead was given as a 20
metre tap. These decisions seemed to unrest the Ashton lads and minutes
later Haydock did kick a drop goal followed in the last minute with a
try. A disappointing end to a great team performance.
Ashton
tries - Steven Naylor (2), Chris Rothwell, Kevin Howells
Ashton
goals - Matty Melling (2)
|
