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This top of the
table clash was played out in horrendous conditions and it was Ashton
who handled the conditions the better, running out 20-4 winners in the
end. Knowing a win would give them a three point advantage at the top
of the table, it was Ashton who started strongly and within five
minutes of the start, man of the match Peter Shaw took a great ball
from the ever improving Chris Rothwell to power his way through the
defence, then off load to Matty Melling, who was on hand to score under
the posts. Matty Melling was successful with the conversion. Ashton
were caught on the hop when Haydock scored in the corner, however they
soon started to build up some more pressure and were rewarded with a
penalty which Matty Melling duly converted. The Ashton forwards were
starting to revel in the trying conditions and with marauding runs from
Keiran Spruce, Joey Burrows, Neil Ireland and tireless defensive stints
from Alex Peet, Brent Knox and Scott Hughes it wasn’t long before
Haydock’s defence was breached again. Big Kevin Howells took the ball
from first receiver some twenty yards out and burst his way over, again
Matty Melling made kicking look easy in the worst of the weather.
At half time Dave Picton switched from the wing to his customary scrum
half position and within minutes of the re-start he scored the try that
sealed the match when he scooted over from acting half back. Matty
Melling again converted. Ashton went close on a few more occasions
through John Hughes, Peter Shaw and Dave Picton. All seventeen players
deserve praise for a fabulous effort in very trying conditions.
Tries; Matty Melling, Kevin Howells, Dave
Picton
Goals; Matty Melling (4)
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