|
Ashton
Bears 20-27 West Bank Bears
Ashton Bears played West
Bank Bears in the final of the U 17`s NWC cup and lost 20-27 in a match
that never really lived up to expectations. Ashton were shell shocked
in the first half and were victims of a huge penalty count. As a result
they found themselves 19 - 0 down at the break after conceding 3
converted tries and a drop goal. The
Widnes
team playing much the better rugby of the half and Ashton were unable
to find a way through the tough defence.
The second half saw the introduction of prop forward
Andrew Maunder, whose presence seemed to lift the entire team, his
blockbusting run leading directly to the bears first score from Kieran
Edwards. Maunder then scored himself, showing surprising speed to catch
Andy Balls kick to dive under the posts. Ashton were then attacking the
Widnes line when a stray pass was picked up by the
West Bank
centre who sprinted 75 yards to score. This was to prove ultimately
Astons downfall, as they now had too large a hill to climb. Ashton
never gave up and managed two further tries, whilst down to twelve men.
Both from second row Ben Robinson, the first one showing remarkable
strength to score whilst being tackled by three players. Shane Jones
managed two conversions.
Ashton can take heart that they finished much the stronger
of the two teams and hope that this bodes well when they meet again in
what should be the title decider.
Ashton's best performers on the day were Maunder, Joe
McGinn, Robinson, Nathan Davies and Danny Oswald
|
