Consett 17 v Acklam 19

Consett 17 points v Acklam 19 points

In the past, Acklam with having so many players not available would of gone away to any opposition and come back empty handed, to-day they dug deep and won. Welcome debuts to 17 year old Ben Dickenson at full back and Simon Bate at No. 8, both players did very well.
The playing conditions were good, but the game was mediocre with many of the Acklam players struggling to find their form. After only 2 minutes Danny Ashton kicked a penalty and with Ross Groves striking two against the head in the first 5 minutes, followed with a second Ashton penalty, things looked promising for Acklam. The Consett kicker had an off day throughout the match, which was fortunate for Acklam. However after 22 minutes the best rugby of the game was played which gave young Ben Dickenson with some work still to do, to score the first try of the game. On the 27 minute, Consett were penalised for a high tackle which Danny Ashton kicked the three points. With Acklam leading by 16 points the visitors were looking much more comfortable. Unfortunately they allowed Consett back into the game with a miss pass which was intercepted and Consett took full advantage with a try. With half- time calling, on the 40 minute Acklam conceded two penalties which resulted in the referee giving Acklam a yellow card. H.T. 5-16.
Early into the second half Acklam found themselves down to 13 men, Consett took full advantage when from a scrum Consett scored a try. On the 60 minute mark Acklam allowed Consett a try through poor tackling, this time they took the seven points and the lead for the first time. In the last ten minutes of the game Acklam did take control of the game and were rewarded with anther Danny Ashton penalty, which finalised the scoring for the game.
In the second row veteran Robbie Atkin was solid as was Tim Savage who was my ‘man of the match’.
Acklam have never had a settled team all season due to natural unavailability’s, so this was a good result considering the circumstances.