It was a fitting end to Askeans’ Counties 4 Kent Shield campaign on Saturday…….well almost.

There was a substantial crowd supporting both teams for the final of the Counties 4 Shield with Askeans benefitting from former players and supporters plus additional and welcome cheering from Greenwich RFC and, of course, the friends and family of the players.
The Lordswood crowd were equally vocal from (and even before) the kick off.

Once again the opposition had a heavier pack, although Askeans started well with some strong drives and set ups. However, after a mix up in midfield Lordswood camped in the Askean 22 and went a head from a penalty in front of the posts ….0 – 3

Roddy then had a chance to draw level but his kick agonisingly slipped past the left hand upright.

Lordswood helped by their substantial pack gained some ascendancy and were awarded a penalty from the first scrum. They set up a rolling maul which Askeans did well to stop, but from the resulting scrum, Toby Setters sustained a neck injury and had to leave the field and took no further part in the final.

A further period of intense pressure and a drive resulted in one of their big forwards crossing the line for a try which was converted …0 – 10

Askeans completed the half on the attack but were prevented from scoring by a combination of good defence and from their lineouts being disrupted.

Half Time 0 – 10

A fast start to the second half was punctuated by an excellent run by Captain Charlie King and this resulted in a remarkable turnaround.

Askeans were camped in the Lordswood 22 and following a yellow card, took advantage of the extra space for Harrison Sanford to score an excellent try in the corner.
Unfortunately, Roddy’s attempted conversion from wide out bounced off the post.
5 - 12
Despite an attempted reverse in pressure by Lordswood, Askeans had the momentum and a fine kick to the corner by Roddy ended with their fullback being pressured into a weak defensive kick. Harrison Sanford gratefully received the ball and ran in for his second try, which Roddy converted to take Askeans into the lead for the first time
12 -10
The final quarter was helter skelter with both teams desperate to gain control.
Then disaster, this time it was an Askean player sent to the sin bin.
Lordswood’s heavier pack now exerted pressure and from a penalty they set up a rolling maul which ended with a score in the right hand corner, a fine conversion from the touchline helping them regain the lead
12 – 17
The Lordswood forwards dominance continued and a further penalty resulted in a scrum close to the Askean line.
Amidst a maul for the ball on the line, Lordswood were somewhat surprisingly awarded a penalty try and Charlie King was yellow carded with the clock (or at least the Ref’s watch) almost in the red.
12 - 24
Askeans tried desperately to come back in the closing minutes and were inspired by a clever grubber kick from Roddy which confused Lordswood and took play almost to their line – but another score was defeated by the final whistle

The penalty try inevitably meant that the final score was not a fair reflection of the game, which despite the yellow cards on both sides, was played in excellent spirit.

The players deserve tremendous credit for how they have played throughout the season and not least in getting to the final.

They have been well led by Charlie and should all be very proud of their efforts – it augurs well for next season where we hope to go one step further in the knock out competitions.

Despite the disappointment of losing a close final, the clubhouse and bars were packed for the evening….the spirit and camaraderie not being dampened…even watching the nonsense from Twickenham could not prevent the team (and everyone else) deservedly enjoying another great evening at the Rectory Field.

Counties 4 Kent Shield Final – Askeans Squad

CLUB DINNER & AWARDS NIGHT
Friday 21st April 7.30 for 8.00 pm
Why not come along and celebrate this season’s success at our Club Dinner!

- Free Prosecco Bar Two course meal
- Licence till midnight Drink up by 12,30 am
All are welcome – Players, partners, friends, parents, supporters, former players. We want as many Askeans to come along – Remember, we are an inclusive club!
Price: £25 single; £40 double; £10 student
To book your place, please contact either
Steve Homewood
E: Homewood.steve@yahoo.co.uk; M: 07795 445404 or

Ian Lunn
E: ianlunn@hotmail.com M: 07957 280530

Clubhouse The Rectory Field, Charlton Road, SE7 7EY[/b]

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