Ben Ainsworth was unsuccessful with the subsequent conversion. Port Sunlight were soon back in the game and almost made a quick reply but were thwarted by a try saving tackle from captain Martin Boswell. The game drifted into a scrappy affair and Port Sunlight missed a penalty kick on 20 minutes but were soon ahead after a break away try, totally against the run of play, from just outside Ashton’s twenty two to make the score 5-7. Ashton clawed their way back into the game before half-time with good runs from Martin Boswell, Liam Coyne and Ben Ainsworth resulting in a penalty conceded by the visitors. The penalty was duly slotted over by Ainsworth to put Ashton back ahead 8-7. There was still time for Port Sunlight to miss a penalty and drop the ball on the try-line before the turnaround.

For much of the second half it was Port Sunlight pressing forward and Ashton lost the services of second row Liam Coyne due to a knee injury. On 55 minutes the visitors scored the best try of the game with the ball spun quickly out for the left wing to score in the corner. An impressive conversion from the touchline saw the score move to 8-14. Port Sunlight score two more tries in the second half from kick and chases which saw the ball bounce in their favour on both occasions. Both tries were converted to make the final score 8-28. Ashton found it tough going against a bigger pack and struggled to retain possession at the breakdown. A disappointing day for the 1st team.

Jim Morrell’s 2nd XV had a tough day at Wigan 3s against their “dream team”. A hefty defeat but in context a lot of positives and experience for the players to take from this game. Jamie Cooper had an immense game. Jim's brother Peter Morrell scored two tries in his first ever game and didn't look out of place at all. Good to hear that we travelled with a full squad plus replacements.

Next week the 1s are away at Trentham and the 2s are at home to Bury 2s.