Ashton 1st XV 81 Altrincham Kersal 3s 12 - Match Report

Ashton got off to a flyer in perfect late summer conditions at Stelfox Ave with super tries from the ever impressive scrum half Joel Dore and full back Liam Crank, both converted by fly half Luke Berry, to make it 14-0 to the visitors within the first 5 minutes. The home side struck back with a well worked converted try to make it 14-7.

Within 5 minutes Joel Dore had extended the lead with another try, converted by Luke Berry, to make the score 21-7. Ashton were playing some great rugby and immaculate handling resulted in Luke Berry scoring an unconverted try after 18 minutes. Soon after prolonged pressure gave way to a try by skipper Adam Whitworth, converted by Luke Berry, to make the score 33-7. It was all one way traffic in the first half with further tries from Luke Berry and veteran winger Iain Greenfield, with one conversion, to make the score 45-7 at half-time. It was a great first half for Ashton as they grew in confidence and showed clinical finishing.

The third quarter of the game was the best for the home team as they defended bravely but could not deny Joel Dore a hat-trick of tries after 49 minutes for an unconverted score. The game got a bit scrappy and Ashton gave away some needless cheap penalties. In this period Altrincham 3s, to their credit, pulled back a try to make the score 50-12. Ashton responded well in the last quarter beginning with an unconverted try from combative hooker Jeff Smith after pressure built up from a tap penalty. Another try followed quickly from No 8 Gaz Price after a clever break from Luke Berry. This was converted by Luke Berry to make the score 62-12 with 10 minutes left. It wasn't all one way traffic and centre Dan Hopwood and flanker Stephen Appleby put some great tackles in. However Ashton were in a ruthless mood and further tries came from skipper Adam Whitworth, Jeff Smith and Gaz Price (a super 40 yard interception) to make the final score 81-12. 13 tries and 8 conversions. Man of the match - Gareth Price.

Overall an immensely pleasing and a promising start. "We were tenacious and ruthless" said vice captain Liam Crank.

Next week Ashton are at home to Burnage 3s. Kick off 3pm.

Updated 22:00 - 1 Sep 2019 by Pat Stokes