Ashbourne RUFC

On a wet day on the Rec, Ashbourne were looking forward to this game with expectation of a result following some close games previously. The game started with Ashbourne kicking up towards the school and immediately got on the front foot through some excellent scrummaging and carrying from the tight Forwards. As a result of this pressure, Lincoln kicked the ball aimlessly to relieve pressure and Riley scored a wonderful individual try to make the score 5-0 after 10 minutes. Ashbourne continued to control the gain line and forced turnovers from some great defence from Maznenko,Bodger and Allen. Following some superb Ashbourne defence, Ashbourne were about to counter attack. And Nash was on the end of some great handling to make the score 10-0. Lincoln managed a penalty kick for there attacking efforts but so far so good for Ashbourne in keeping the Lincoln attack at bay. Nash read a perfect intercept and went to score from 70 metres. Riley with the successful conversion meant it was 17-3 at half time. The second half started with Lincoln attacking but it was much the same for Ashbourne absorbing pressure brilliantly on there 22 but exiting superbly on many occasions. Lincoln however managed to grab a try under the Ashbourne posts when they snuck a quick penalty and caught Ashbourne off guard. This took the scores to 17-10. Midway through the second half, the dominating Ashbourne pack which has worked tirelessly all day, won a scrum and drove Lincoln back powerfully, the backs then showed some excellent handling to put Ruddock in the corner. Riley also converted making the score 24-10. Ashbourne continued to keep the ball tight and were in control of the last 20 even when they didn’t have the ball through great defence and organisation. Riley got a chance for a penalty in the last 10 minutes and duely converted to take the score to 27-10. As the final whistle blew, Ashbourne were relived but knew that all they had been working on in training was starting to come into place. It was great to see Nash return to the centres. Sam Jones bringing controlled decision making off the bench at 10 and Taylor at 9 showed great control at the back of a dominating Ashbourne pack. The Man of the match was John Ford. Next week Ashbourne are away at Long Eaton which promises to be an exciting encounter.