Ashton-under-Lyne U12s 56 – 14 Rossendale U12s

It didn’t take long for Ashton to take the lead with some strong running through the centres to take their first try. Dale rallied and put together some strong attacks and stout defence through the next period of to and fro play, but it was Ashton to make the breakthrough with their second score. They also took their third soon afterwards.

However, the Dale lads kept their heads up and worked hard to work their way up the pitch, and were rewarded by a strong drive over the line by Isaac Cornwall to score. PJ Butler collected the extras with the conversion.

After another converted try from Ashton, the first half ended 28 – 7 in Ashton’s favour.

The second half was almost a repeat of the first, with Ashton scoring 3 unanswered converted tries, and it looked like it was all over until Dale rallied round and started to apply some real pressure in defence, then turned this into attack. Ciaran Campbell, in his first game for competitive rugby, weaved his way through the Ashton defence to score his try. PJ Butler again added the conversion. After one more converted try for Ashton, the game ended 56 -14 to the home team.

Despite being on the wrong end of a high score, the lads showed commitment and effort to the end, and it was really only too many missed tackles that turned the pressure on to us today. So we work on that and look forward to another tough match against West Park St Helens at Marl Pits next Sunday.

Thanks to all the parents and supporters who made the journey over to Ashton today - I'm sure we made more noise than the home support :-)