Aston welcomed Eccleshall to Sunnybank on a cold and wet Saturday afternoon. Playing down the slope, the first kick off went long which gave Eccleshall and excellent attacking opportunity. Julius Hunt (captaining the side) shut down the number 8 attack but Eccleshall gained good territory from the attack. Aston made 3 or 4 errors in defence and Eccleshall opened the scoring. 7-0.

The remaining 20 minutes were a hard slog for the home side. Eccleshall have an excellent set of backs and attacked for all areas of the pitch. Aston struggled to contained their speedy centres and wingers and soon found themselves 14-0 down following a classic wingers try at the end of a sharp move. 3 more tries followed (with 2 conversions) and it was game over at 33-0.

Playing for pride Aston battled back into the game after kicking the ball to the corner from a penalty. Lineout secured and pick and drives followed. Andy Coveney battled over the line for his first ever 1st team score. 33-5 at half time.

The second half started much better with Julius Hunt making a 40 metre break upfield. Aston were suddenly attacking with much more confidence and taking on the Eccleshall pack. More pick and goes from the pack and a good score. 33-10. Eccleshall soon hit back via their backs with an outstanding solo try from their 13. 40-10.

Another try soon followed after a sweeping counter attack. 47-10. The introduction of Remmy Blake made a big difference and Aston gained front foot ball. The home team were awarded a scrum in the opposition’s 22’ and Remmy attacked from 8 to score a comfortable try. 47-15. It was pleasing to see that the home team played to the final whistle and they were awarded with the final try of the game. A penalty was awarded in Eccleshall’s 22’ and Julius showed off his new fitter frame to crash over the line to secure the bonus point.

There is a cup game at home next week against Kings Norton and the team will be desperate to get back to winning ways.

Author
Tom Nener