AOE v Trentham 1st April '17

Aston welcomed high flying Trentham to Sunnybank Avenue for an exciting top 4 match. Kicking down the slope to begin the game Aston started well and immediately found themselves in the Trentham 22'. A lack of attacking composure allowed Trentham to sneak a turnover and clear the ball up-field. Both teams settled down for the next 10 minutes and tested each other with big ball carriers. Both defences held well and eventually Aston withdrew from this attritional strategy and played territory. Ian Lyons put in a clever kick to the corner which was chased well by Jerome Jaddoo and Chevel Taylor and they successfully won a turnover. Ian fed the ball to Jerome Jaddoo and he scored in the corner (5-0). Conversion missed.

Trentham came alive after the restart and put real pressure on Aston's defence. Trentham's 6 and 13 were superb and made good yards up-field. Following a great turnover (Sam Turton) Aston missed an opportunity to clear the ball downfield and were over ambitious in the wrong part of the pitch. Trentham regained possession and the 13 scored a superb try in the corner. Conversion missed (5-5). Aston struggled to play to a consistent pattern for the next 10 minutes and were fortunate to win a turnover against the run of play. The ball was fed to a galloping Nick Whiteman who made 50 metres downfield and passed inside to Joe Carroll in support. A cynical high tackle later and a penalty was awarded which was kicked over (8-5). Aston were visibly buoyed and immediately kicked the ball back downfield and won a penalty which was despatched to the corner. Lineout won and Craig Williams provided a good attacking platform in midfield. Short crash balls followed and the clinical Darren Gardner crashed over to score. No conversion (13-5).

The second half began poorly for the home team as Trentham used the slope well. Under pressure in the 22' and Trentham scored a good try using big ball carriers to slip poor attempts at tackles. Conversion scored (13-12). Aston began to lose their shape in defence and over the next 10 minutes only a great cover tackle by Ethan Channer prevented a further try. As the rain started, Aston kept missing more tackles and Trentham's centre combination dominated the game. Another chance was taken by Trentham and the conversion was scored (19-12).

The rain worsened but Aston adapted better to the conditions and kept play simple with short drives. A penalty was won which was kicked to the corner. The lineout was successful but another penalty was conceded which Nick Whiteman took quickly to score under the posts. 20-19 and a exciting 10 minutes ahead. Unfortunately, a lack of composure from the kick off gave Trentham a lineout near the 22'. The ball was used in the midfield and a silly penalty conceded by Aston at the breakdown which was successfully kicked for goal. 22-20. Straight from the kick off, Trentham kicked the ball downfield and Aston were in disarray. A kick up-field was not chased and gave Trentham the opportunity to counter attack. An inevitable try which was converted to finish the game 29-20.

Trentham deserved the victory and a lack of composure cost Aston dearly. Trentham also deserve promotion but Aston can take heart from a good performance which with better decision making could have resulted in a victory.