|
Ashton Bears A put on a fine display on a cold afternoon next to
the Soccer Dome in Wigan. Despite the first team having no fixture this
weekend, coach Ste Smith stuck to his guns starting with the players
signed up for the second team. The Bears were aided by Stuart Millett
and Chris Rothwell, their creativity ultimately proving
the difference, and with Adam Hayes relishing in his new role at hooker
and Phil Ashcroft switched to scrum-half the Bears adapted well to seal
the win.
Ashton opened
the scoring through Ste Smith who brushed aside the defence to race 50
metres to the tryline. Stuart Millett bizarrely missed the goal from
right in front. Winger Richard Staziker went over in the corner next
for the Bears, the conversion missed by Phil Ashcroft. Wigan Bulldogs
hit back with two tries, one coming from their own scrum and one from
an error of Ashton's, to level the scores 8-8 at half time.
Wigan Bulldogs
converted a penalty to take the lead for the first time in the game,
10-8 Bulldogs. Ashton then hit back with 30 unanswered points and
played arguably some of their best rugby of the season. Anthony Clayton
scored the first of five second half tries, with Phil Ashcroft
converting. Phil Ashcroft then scored a hat-trick himself, converting 2
and Dean Prescott converting the other from the touchline. Kevin
Howells went over for a try under the posts and converted it himself
and Ashton made the short journey home wining by 10-38.
Tries: Phil
Ashcroft (3), Richard Staziker, Anthony Clayton, Kevin Howells
Goals: Phil
Ashcroft (3), Kevin Howells, Dean Prescott
|
