Ashton on Mersey U13 24-12 Liverpool Collegiate U13

conditions dictate game

Ashton on Mersey U13 24-12 Liverpool Collegiate U13*

Ashton under Mersey…

The early part of the week saw the excitement of the Lancashire Plate draw. We face a tricky quarter final away to the peculiarly named Didsbury Toc H, at the end of the month. If we win, then a home semi final awaits. If we play like we did today then our Lancashire Plate campaign will be over before it’s started…

Anyway. Ashton. Theoretically on Mersey but today it felt more like under Mersey. Conveniently located next to one of Manchester’s largest sewage works and an epicentre for fly tipping, it would make an ideal holiday destination.
Relentless rain there and back and a pitch so muddy that veterans of Toc H would have refused to play on it (yes, you are going to have to Google it…) all made for a festival of rugby.

Clearly the conditions didn’t suit our boys, who are used to the semi –tropical environs of Otterspool Promenade. We started badly and quickly got worse. The presence of the perennial “big lad” struck again and the first half saw their centre score three largely undefended tries. By the time we got to the car on the way back there were claims that not only was there “no way he could be 13” but that he had a beard and smoked a pipe. Allegedly.

We changed things around in the second half and the performance was much better. Two tries made the scoreline more respectable and we finished as the much stronger team. In the end, however, we couldn’t make up for such a poor first half performance.

There were positives, however, with strong performances from Harrison, Matty B and Calum. Big Shamus also had an impressive debut.

Competition will be tough for places for the quarter final and we need everyone to come for the remaining training sessions and friendlies. Selection will be based on ability, enthusiasm and attitude!

Finally thanks to all the parents for bringing the boys in such miserable conditions. Your washing machines have my sympathy…

Squad

Finbar, Luke, Matty B, Sonny, Leo, Calum,Jack H, Shamus, Dan D, Anton, Boris, Ruari, Fintan, Jack L, Harrison, Dan H, Big Tom, Matthew, Shaun, Olly, Dan C, Toby

Scorers
Tries – Fintan and Matty
Conversion – Jack