Broad Plain Match Report

Ashley Down travelled to Broad Plain with a side showing several changes from the previous week. The game kicked off in pleasant conditions and Broad Plain were immediately on the attack and it took some determined defence to keep them out. Even during the early minutes Ashley Down looked flat and 10 minutes into the game the home side took the lead when they scored a simple try near the posts. The conversion hit the post but they were deservedly in the lead. Ashley Down were finding it difficult to mount any significant attacks but 20 minutes into the game they were awarded a penalty within Tom Coole's range and he converted easily to put Ashley Down back into the game. Broad Plain were still looking the better side and failed to extend their lead when they missed a simple penalty attempt at goal with 10 minutes of the half left and Ashley Down also missed a long range penalty attempt and the half finished with no more additions to the score sheet.

Ashley Down started the second half showing a bit more purpose and started to play some decent rugby but were reduced to 14 players for 10 minutes when captain James Hall was yellow carded. Broad Plain were still looking the better team and extended the lead shortly after with a second try wide out on the right. At 10 – 3 down and not playing well it was important that Ashley Down scored next and now restored to 15 players they started to gain some territorial advantage and Tom Coole's dependable boot soon reduced the lead to 10-6. From the kick off the game took a sudden change. A high clearance kick was left to bounce and full back Craig Richings was on hand to hack the ball forward. Outside half Pat Creaven picked up the loose ball to run in from 50m and score under the posts. The conversion put Ashley Down into the lead for the first time. Finding themselves in front they seemed to liven up and a few minutes later Craig Richings seemed certain to score but was hauled down a couple of metres from the line. However Ashley Down were now camped in the Broad Plain half and when the ball was moved to the left wing, Tom Coole, was on hand to score in the corner. His magnificent touchline conversion extended the lead to 10 – 20. With a two score advantage Ashley Down relaxed and disappointingly allowed Broad Plain to score a third try in virtually the last play of the game and the game ended up with Ashley Down being narrow 15 – 20 winners.

Not one of Ashley Down's best performances but they were able to slog out a win and a valuable 4 points. Although conceding a late try to allow Broad Plain a bonus point nobody would begrudge them the point since for long periods they looked the better side and deserved to get something from the game.