Colne RUFC Match Report 14/01/2016

Saturday’s fixture saw the First team travel to Ashton under Lyne. A somewhat depleted squad was bolstered by the welcome return of Luke Edwards following a long term injury. Hopefully other players who have been out this season are not far behind.
One of the best starts to a game this season saw Colne go 12-0 up within 25 minutes. First of all a lineout saw Colne win the ball after a fantastic push and drive making at least ten metres up the field. Tom Beresford secured the ball brilliantly at the back and with a final push was able to drop over the line. Kick not converted.
Around the 25th minute some well drilled team play and sustained pressure by Colne saw a number of “pick and go’s” which ultimately saw Ryan Sumner (aka Pitbull) cross the line. Kick converted by Jim Hargreaves.
Ashton then had most of the play for the next period which saw them score 2 tries with one being converted.
Half time Ashton 17 – Colne 12.
A slightly dour second half saw a number of penalties conceded by Colne and most of the play was in their half but some staunch defending from the whole 15 but in particular Gary Kenyon, saw Ashton unable to capitalise on their possession.
In the 70th minute a strong run by Matty Tindall deep in his own half was followed by a kick to the corner as he was running out of steam. An infringement saw Ashton penalised and a quick tap and go saw a very questionable pass to Ash Grant who was able to collect the ball at his feet and cross the white line for his first try of the season. Once again the kick was converted.
Straight from the kick off saw a silly penalty given away by Colne which resulted in a scrum on the half way line. Ashton’s number 8 made a smart pick up from the base of the scum and was making good ground only being stopped by Matty Tindall putting in a huge try saving tackle and sustaining a “soft soil” injury in the process. The magic hands and words of gentle encouragement from Mr Hargreaves snr saw him get to his feet and carry on for the remainder of the match.
That was to be the final score with Colne running out as the victors 19 points to 17.Perhaps not the best performance of the season but happy to take the points in what was a good, clean contest well played on a heavy pitch by both teams.
Next week Colne are home to Ormskirk in a rearranged fixture following the postponement of the game 2 weeks ago following an injury to an Ormskirk player.