Ashton Bears 15-28 Wigan St Cuthberts...

Ashton Bears entertained Wigan St Cuthbert’s in what turned out to be a hotly contested match right up to the final whistle, with the result being decided right at the death. Cuthbert’s started the match with a try from the first set of six and Ashton lost Stuart Millett in that move, desperately trying to make a last ditch tackle only to spring his shoulder. Ashton hit back and just after going narrowly close form a resulting scrum, the ball was moved swiftly out and the ever impressive Matty Melling went over. Again Cuthbert’s went over and again Ashton came back, this time it was young Danny Burgan who received the ball wide out to score. Matty Melling converted and it looked like Ashton would go in at halftime 10-8 up, however with the last play of the half Cuthbert’s again took the lead with a converted try.

            Playing against the elements in the second half Ashton kept on trying and with man of the match, Dave Smith tackling his heart out and Dave Picton plying his trade in the middle of the park, ably assisted by Chris Rothwell, it looked to possible for Ashton to turn things around and it took a brilliant piece of individualism from captain Peter Shaw to make a break and 60 metres up the field to score. Scores level, any ones game. Then after a kick and chase Dave Picton stole the ball in the tackle and from the third tackle, Phil Schmechel coolly dropped a goal to edge Ashton in front. With minutes remaining Cuthbert’s were awarded a penalty directly in front of the posts only 25 metres out which they duly converted. This seemed to lift Cuthbert’s and they finished with two back to back tries, one when Ashton had only 11 players on the field due to other players receiving treatment.

   Ashton finished the game with plenty of injury concerns, with Stu Millett playing only 60 seconds, Matty Melling and Scott Hughes limping off, while Phil Schmechel ripped his ear.

Tries;   Matty Melling; Danny Burgan; Peter Shaw

 Goals;   David Picton, Phil Schmechel (drop goal)

Man of the Match: David Smith (12)