Ashton Bears 44-8 Haydock

[Sunday 20 April 2008]

Ashton were confirmed league 2 runners up with a gritty and determined display against a Westhoughton side determined to complete their home fixtures with a win. The early plays saw Ashton turning over possession which allowed the home side to take an early 8 nil lead.  However Ashton slowly began to gain the advantage and drives by Danny Prescott, Sean Parkinson and Jason Lea gave Ashton good field position and a perfectly weighted pass from Matthew Smith put Adam Jones into a gap and he sprinted 40 metres to score.  Ashton continued to press but handling errors seemed to dog the visitors and it was the home side who broke clear and it took a superb tackle from Nick Haselden to save the visitors and the score at half time remained 8 – 4.  

The second half began with Ashton winning possession from a short kick off and a side step and long ball from Smith gave Jones a clear run to the line.  The conversion from Connor Parkinson gave Ashton the lead but Westhoughton gained possession from the kick off with a clean ball steal and good hands created the space to score and re-gain the lead.  Breaks from Jones, Smith and Lea in quick succession put the home side on the back foot and Patrick Collins took advantage to scoot over the line and score.  From the next kick off Lea took up the ball for Ashton and he ran 50 yards before being grounded by a 5 man tackle.  A quick play saw Kieran Sherratt and Smith open the defence and Jones was again on hand to score in the corner.  The next exchanges saw both defences put under pressure and both teams had chances to score, but it was Ashton who eventually took control with Smith again putting Jones into space for another try in the corner.   The final score came when Smith put Parkinson into space who drew the cover defence before putting Sherratt in the clear and despite tackles coming from both sides he managed to ground the ball.  Matty Smith added the extras to complete the scoring.

 Liam Brookes won the best defensive award pushed hard by Danny Prescott and Connor Parkinson.  Matthew Smith was judged man of the match with Adam Jones and Jason Lea unlucky to miss out.

Ashton Bears 44-8 Haydock

[Sunday 06 April 2008]

Ashton opened the scoring quickly thanks to a short burst from Kieran Sherratt, scoring under the Haydock sticks.  Danny Prescott added the conversion.  Minutes later, Nick Hazeldon produced an excellent run to again score under the Haydock posts with Connor Parkinson adding the conversion.  Some good team rugby followed, pressurising the Haydock defence.  Matthew Smith put an inch perfect kick into the Haydock corner, which was chased by Kieran Sherratt and Nick Hazeldon.  Hazeldon arriving slightly early, to give Ashton a 16 nil advantage.  Haydock rallied and produced some flowing moves, which had the Bears stretched.  Haydocks pressure was rewarded by a try in the Ashton corner.  Ashton hit back with two quick tries from Adam Jones, which were converted by Danny Prescott and Connor Parkinson.  The half time score being 28 - 4.

Both teams moved the ball well in the second half and each defence was put under pressure.  A hat trick of tries from Adam Jones sealed the game, with two conversions by Matthew Smith.  Haydock continued to produce some good rugby, scoring at the end of the game in Ashton's corner.

The defensive award was given to Connor Parkinson who headed the tackle count and had no missed tackles.  Nick Hazeldon received the man of the match, for his tireless leadership and support throughout the game.

Haydock 8-56 Ashton Bears

[Sunday 30th March 2008]

On a heavy and muddy pitch, Ashton were caught cold at the start of the match with two early tries by Haydock to put them eight points behind.  Ashton rallied and played some flowing rugby, which opened the Haydock defence.  The first half saw two tries from both Nick Hazeldon and Adam Jones.  Jason Lea provided a try with a great power play scoring under the Haydock posts.  Ashton were leading 30 - 8 at half time.

Ashton continued to put pressure on the Haydock defence and were rewarded with further tries from Adam Jones, Patrick Collins, Danny Prescott, Nick Hazeldon and Ben Tootile, which was his first try for the club.  Connor Parkinson and Danny Prescott added the conversions to give a final score of 56 - 8.

Ashton Bears 44-16 Latchford Giants

[Sunday 16th March 2008]

Despite having only 13 players available due to sickness and injuries Ashton ran out convincing winners against a plucky Latchford team who never stopped trying.

 Ashton scored first when a length of the field move was finished by Danny Prescott.  Straight from the kick off a 30 yard drive by Prescott pulled in the Latchford defence and a quick play put Adam Jones in the clear to score.  The same play with another drive by Prescott saw Nick Hazeldon sprint 50 yards to the corner to score.  More pressure by Ashton saw Patrick Collins held up just on the line. The ball then went across the line and Matthew Smith put Kieran Sherratt under the posts with a defence splitting pass.  A further score by Jones put Ashton 29 - nil ahead before Latchford scored on the half time to make it 28 - 6 at half time.

 Further pressure at the start of the second half saw a barnstorming run by Jason Lea and two set plays gave further tries for Jones and Sherratt.  A late rally by Latchford resulted in tries for the away team with their impressive number 10 to make a final score 44 - 16.

 Impressive for Ashton was Nick Hazeldon and Liam Brookes having his best game of the season.

 Man of the match award went to Danny Prescott and best defensive winner was Ashley Gaskell who topped the tackle count.

Ashton Bears 8-34 Oldham St Anne's

[Sunday 9th March 2008]

 The Bears entertained Oldham in the semi final of the North West Counties Cup. 

Both teams started brightly and each had to defend their lines.  Oldham took an early 6 point advantage thanks to a power play which saw them score under the Bears posts.  Tries for Ashton followed thanks to Ashley Gaskell and Adam Jones, giving the Bears a 8 - 6 lead.  Both teams continued to produce some excellent rugby with Oldham scoring two tries late in the first half to give them a 14 - 8 lead at the break.

 Ashton continued to push hard in the second half though had several penalties awarded against them, which gave Oldham valuable yards which they were able to capitalise on.  The game finish 34 - 8 to the visitors though both teams produced some entertaining rugby.

 The Ashton team wish Oldham good look in the final

Crosfield Cobras 16-18 Ashton Bears

[Sunday 2nd March 2008]

Crosfield scored an early try thanks to an excellent set move from the scrum.  The conversion was added. Ashton tried hard to get on the score sheet, though without success. Crosfield added a penalty kick before the interval to give them an 8 nil lead. 

Crosfield opened the second half with another early try, though were unable to add the conversion. Ashton used the strong wind to their advantage and produced their best rugby and were rewarded by a hat trick by Adam Jones which brought the scores level. Danny Prescott put the Bears ahead for the first time with a difficult conversion in the strong winds. Ashton continued to pressure the Crosfields defence and were rewarded with a try by Patrick Collins to edge Ashton further ahead. In the final stages of the game Ashton had to defend their position, though Crosfield scored, though did not manage their conversion.  

A highly entertaining game by both teams.

Ashton Bears 18-16 Chorley Panthers

[Sunday 24th February 2008]

Cup Quarter-Final

A pulsating quarter final cup tie saw Ashton come from behind to book their place in the semi finals.

Chorley started brightly and soon raced into a 12 nil lead.  Ashton rallied and on half time Matthew Smith stepped through the defence before off loading to Adam Jones who raced 50 metres to score.  Connor Parkinson added the conversion to make it 6 - 12 at half time. 

The second half saw Ashton pile on the pressure and following a repeat set of six, man of the match Kieran Sherratt jinked through two tackles before hitting a defence splitting pass for Adam Jones to score.  Matthew Smith added the extras to level the game.

 Ashton now had Chorley on the back foot and from a second drop out Kieran Sherratt stepped through the defence to put Ashton into the lead for the first time.  Danny Prescott hit a difficult conversion to edge Ashton further ahead.  Not to be out done Chorley turned the pressure back onto Ashton and finally scored late on but could not add the goal, sending Ashton into the semi finals.

 Outstanding for Ashton were Jason Lea, Connor Parkinson, Patrick Collins and Andy Roby.  Man of the match went to Kieran Sherratt and best defence to Nick Hazeldon who produced an excellent display of tackling.

 Both teams should be congratulated for the fantastic display of rugby which was pulsating to watch.

Culcheth Eagles 8-36 Ashton Bears

[Sunday 10th February 2008]

In the second round of the North West Counties Cup, Ashton travelled to Culcheth.

Some excellent early play was reward by a great power play try under the sticks by Ashton's Danny Prescott.  Connor Parkinson added the conversion.  Through out the first half Ashton produced some great movement of the ball with tries coming from Adam Jones and Matthew Smith.  Conversions were made by Danny Prescott and Matthew Smith.  Culcheth showed excellent spirit and produced a try under Ashton's sticks to give a half time score of 18 - 4.

The defensive award winner, Jason Lea provided some excellent forward drives and defended the centre of the field well.  Man of the Match Adam Jones scored four tries in the second half, thanks to the continued movement of the ball.  Connor Parkinson added a conversion.

Ashton Bears 14-4 Thatto Heath Crusaders

[Sunday 27th January 2008]

Ashton Bears who are presently in division 2 drew division 1 team Thatto Heath in the first round of the North West Counties Cup.

The Bears opened brightly with some excellent movement with the ball and were rewarded with two tries by Adam Jones, giving Ashton a 8 - 0 half time lead.

Some excellent and entertaining rugby was played in the second half, with Adam Jones completing his hat trick midway through the half.  Connor Parkinson added the conversion.

Ashton were caught by a break from Thatto Heath along their wing, giving them a try in the Bears corner.

Matthew Smith was awarded man of the match following his excellent control of the play.  Connor Parkinson received the defensive award for his lead with the forwards, who controlled the centre area of the pitch.

Ashton Bears 14-20 Folly Lane

[Sunday 13th January 2008]

Excellent game played in atrocious conditions, Ashton started brightly and quickly took a 8 - 0 lead.  First try came from a move across the line with Patrick Collins hitting a long pass from Matthew Smith to score in the corner.  From the re-start Ashton produced a length of the field try with Adam Jones scoring.

Folly Lane hit back with two short range tries before Adam Jones scored from another pass from Matthew Smith to give Ashton a 14 - 12 half time lead.

In the second half Folly Lane capitalised on a series of penalties and scored another short range try in the corner before ensuring both points with a second score on the stroke of full time.

Excellent games for Ashton from Nick Hazeldon, Adam Peet and Connor Parkinson.  Adam Jones won man of the match and Kieran Sherratt took best defence with a superb display of tackling.

Ashton Bears 46-10 Leigh East 

Despite the cold weather, Ashton produced an excellent performance which saw them have a 22 - 0 half time lead.  First half tries were from Adam Jones (2), Ellis Brown and Nick Hazeldon.  Conversions were completed by Danny Prescott, Connor Parkinson and Matthew Smith.

 The second half saw a similar performance from the Bears with Adam Jones providing 3 more tries, Nick Hazeldon and Jason Lea.  Conversions were completed by Connor Parkinson and Matthew Smith.

 Nick Hazeldon was awarded the man of the match award, thanks to his excellent leading of the Bears defence.

 Ashley Gaskell won the defensive award, thanks to some excellent tackling.

Portico Vine 18-12 Ashton Bears

Ashton travelled to Portico and suffered only their second league defeat of the season.These two teams have met several times before, with each encounter being close and the games entertaining.  This match was no exception.

Ashton started the game very strongly, with constant pressure on the Portico line.  Portico capitalised on a mistake from Ashton, giving them a full length of the pitch try.

The Bears responded with a try from Adam Jones in the corner, which was converted by Adam Peat.  Just before the break Portico were caught off side, which gave Ashton a 8 - 6 half time lead thanks to a conversion by Matthew Smith. Portico started the second half strongly and were rewarded with two tries which they converted. Ashton piled on the pressure towards the end and where rewarded by a try from Adam Peat. Kieran Sherratt was given the defensive award following some great tackles.  Adam Peat received Man of the Match for his excellent contribution to the game.

Ashton Bears 12-0 Langworthy Reds

Langworthy started the first ten minutes very strongly making Ashton produce some excellent defensive play. Ashton's Kieran Sherratt opened the scoring with an excellent side step through the Langworthy line. Adam Jones produced a very long run down the wing to add a try before the half time.

 Ashton continued with some excellent defensive play and were awarded with another break this time from Nick Hazeldon who scored in the Langworthy corner.

 Jordan Jolley was given the defensive awarded.  Jason Lea was awarded the man of the match thanks to his excellent forward power drives and his impressive defensive play.

Ashton Bears 20-6 Crosfield Cobras

An entertaining match saw both teams produce some excellent defensive play. Two tries from Kieran Sherratt gave the Bears a half time lead of 8 - 6.

 Ashton continued with their excellent defence, stopping the Cobras scoring in the second half. Chris Halliwell scored his first try for Ashton and Adam Jones scored two late tries, sealing Ashton's victory.

 This results puts the Bears two points clear at the top of the table and they host second place Langworthy Reds next week.

Folly Lane 12-32  Ashton Bears

Ashton travelled to Swinton for a top of the table clash with Folly Lane .  Ashton had a depleted squad, with only 13 players. This didn't stop the Bears however as they  produced an excellent team performance, with every player working hard for a victory.

 The Bears had an early 10 point lead thanks to tries by Adam Jones and Nick Hazeldon.  Danny Prescott successfully made a conversion.  Folly Lane hit back just before the break with two quick tries and conversions giving them a 12 - 10 lead at half time.

 The second half saw the Bears produce some of their best rugby so far this season.  Their defence held strong keeping Folly Lane from scoring.

 Tries in the second half for Ashton came from Matthew Smith and Adam Jones (3).  Matthew Smith and Danny Prescott also added a conversion.

 Team coach Derek Corless found it difficult to award the Man of the Match as all 13 players produced an outstanding performance.  Man of the Match went to Adam Jones and Connor Parkinson won the defensive award.

Ashton Bears 21-8 Westhoughton 

Ashton took an early lead thanks to two tries from Adam Jones and a conversion by Connor Parkinson. Westhoughton scored just before the break to give the Bears a 10 - 6 half time lead.

 In the second half, Ashton continued to play well with Man of the Match Matthew Smith controlling the play.  Adam Jones completed his hat trick for the Bears, which was converted by Adam Peat. Westhoughton never gave up attacking the Bears line and were rewarded by a try in the Ashton corner.  Matthew Smith for Ashton replied with an excellent try. In the dying minutes. Matthew Smith converted a drop goal, which helped lift the pressure of Ashton's defence and seal the victory.

Adam Jones received the defensive award.

Ashton Bears 4-34  Pilkington Pumas

 Ashton met Pilkingtons in the preliminary round of the Halbro Lancashire Cup.  A gallant display from the Bears against an excellent Pilkington side, showing all their Premier League qualities.  early mistakes gave the visitors the platform to build a lead to secure the game.

   In the second half the Bears applied good pressure on the Pilkington side and were denied twice, being stopped from scoring at the Pilks line.  The pressure continued and the Bears were rewarded with a sweeping move across the field with Man of the Match Adam Jones scoring in the corner.

   Throught out the game the Ashton's defence worked tirelessly, Kieran Sherratt standing out to win the Best Defence Award.  Jordan Jolley, Matthew Smith and Nick Hazelden all put in excellent performances.

Ashton Bears 26-10 Portico Vine

 Ashton recorded their first win of the season thanks to tries from Adam Jones (2), Nick Hazeldon, Conversions were made by Adam Peat and Jason Lea.  Danny Prescot, Matthew Smith and Adam Peat.

 Man of the Match was awarded to Jason Lea for some excellent forward attack and Connor Parkinson won the defensive award.

Latchford Giants 14-26  Ashton Bears

 Ashton came out top in an excellent match which saw two closely matched teams play. Ashton took an early lead thanks to tries from Andy Roby and Kieran Sherratt.  Latchford scored just before half time to give the Bears a 8 -4 lead. 

The Giants scored early in the second half, to bring the teams level at 8 - 8.  Tries for Ashton followed from Connor Parkinson and Adam Jones, with successful conversions from Matthew Smith and Danny Prescot.  A late deserved try from Jason Lea which was converted by Danny Prescot, sealed the game for Ashton.

 Jason Lea was awarded the man of the match with Nick Hazeldon receiving the defence award.

Last Season...

Widnes Moorfield 6-36 Ashton Bears

Jack White opened the scoring for the Bears thanks to a great individual effort seeing him burst through the Widnes defence.  Danny Prescot added the conversion. W idnes answered back immediately with a try under the Bears sticks which was converted. Kieran Sherratt scored before the break giving Ashton a 10 - 6 lead at half time.

 In the heat of the day, the Bears started the second half in magnificant style by scoring four trys in quick succession.  The tries were by Adam Jones (2), Jack White and Jason Lea.  Conversions by Danny Presot and Mathew Smith helped the score line. Towards the end of the match Kieran Sherratt scored two tries and Danny Prescot added a conversion securing the well earned victory for the Bears.

 Man of the Match Nick Hazeldon must be praised for his contribution in the full back role, resulting in  Widnes being unable to score in the secod half.  Jordan Jolley earned the defensive award thanks to some outstanding tackles.

Portico Vine 10-16 Ashton Bears

Ashton Bears took an early lead against Portico thanks to a burst through the oppositions defence by Adam Jones for a try under the posts. However, good attacking play by Portico brought the two teams level at 4 - 4. Continual good defence by the Bears placed them on the Portico 10 metre line. Kieran Sherratt was then able to scoot along the touch line for a try in the corner.  Connor Parkinson successfully completed the conversion. The Bears leading 10 - 4 at the half time break.

 An early second half try by Portico brought the two teams level again. An excellent individual effort by Mathew Smith saw him break through the Portico defence at the half way line, scoring under the posts.  Mathew also added the conversion.

 Ashton won the game thanks to an outstanding defensive display especially when under pressure on their 10 metre line. Both teams should be congratulated for their effort and spirit in which the game was played. 

Ashton Bears 38-8 Salford Eccles

Both teams produced some good rugby considering the poor weather conditions.  In the driving rain, Ashton were able to defend well and their excellent ball handling skills were to much for Salford Eccles.

An enjoyable game with Ashton try scores: Kieran Sherratt (3), Adam Jones, Adam Peat, Nick Hazeldon (4) and Mathew Smith.  Both Mathew Smith and Danny Prescot each made three successful conversion kicks.

Crosfield Cobras 4-34 Ashton Bears 

West Houghton Lions 20-24 Ashton Bears

In a thrilling quarter final, the closely matched teams played a superb game.

Both teams should be congratulated for their effort and the spirit in which the game was played.

Man of the Match for Ashton, Jason Lea lead the forwards in tireless drives placing the Bears in excellent positions for their tries by Best Defence player Kieran Sherratt (3) and Adam Jones (2).  A conversion by Mathew Smith helped with the points tally.