A tough away day for Aston began with losing the toss and being faced with the combination of the form team of the league and a ferocious gale. Despite this Aston had the better of the opening exchanges and had the majority of the possession. The gale soon made an impact and following a smart grubber kick to the corner from Ian Lyons Eccleshall booted the ball downfield. The gale took it 50 metres and Aston were trapped in the 22’.

Predictably it was difficult to clear the ball and Eccleshall attacked from a lineout outside the 22’. One missed tackle and a try was scored. Conversion taken 7-0. Aston did well to re-focus for the rest of the half and battled their way back in the game. Eccleshall should be commended for trying to play positive rugby despite the weather but it inevitably led to handling errors. Aston’s scrum was impressive and dominate and throughout the first half Ethan Channer drove the team forward from number 8. A highlight of the half was an outstanding break from Remmy which was fed wide to Kieran Burke who made good ground. Moments before half time, Eccleshall found themselves in their own 22’ and made the mistake of trying to be over ambitious. A handling error ensued and Emric Elmhurst pounced on the ball. Ian Lyons put the ball wide and the ever reliable Chevel Taylor scored the try. A great kick from Ian Lyons and 7-7 at half time.

A problem this season has been starting well in the second half and the curse struck again. A mix up at the kick off, a penalty conceded and a 22’ straight into touch gave too much easy possession to an excellent opposing side. Eccleshall used the ball well and scored a superb try. Conversion missed 12-7. A poor start from Aston but the team settled well and started to use that gale force wind to good effect. Repeated kicks into the corner put Eccleshall under huge pressure. A poor quick throw in and Emric Elmhurst was there to cause chaos. Remmy took the pass and scored to level the game. 12-12.

In truth, Eccleshall dominated the last quarter of the game. They used substitutes well in the second half and kept the pace of the game high. Aston began to run out of steam but were saved by several handling errors from the home team. Eventually, defenders ran out of steam and Eccleshall scored the winning try. Conversion scored 19-12.

Aston are unlikely to face a better team this season and both teams should be commended for trying to play good entertaining rugby. The good news is a bonus losing point gained and Eccleshall did not get a bonus point. Game on for the return fixture. Man of the match was Sam Turton who truly put is body on line for the team again and again.

Author
Tom Nener
Club Captain