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Sat 07 Nov 2015 · London 2 South East
1st XVAshford
22
0
A superb win in tough conditions
Ian GEERING8 Nov 2015 - 12:20
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Borough get their first win in ths season's London South East Two campaign, and climb the table to ninth.]
On a pitch more akin to a paddy field than a rugby field both teams served up a match that belied their lowly league positions and the horrendous conditions. From the start both sides played positively moving the ball out to their backs at every opportunity. Crowborough, playing in their alternative blue and white, started much the stronger and were soon deep in Ashford's half. Despite a clear weight and height disadvantage the home pack pushed Ashford back some 20 metres early on. The visitors had no option to concede a penalty but the excellent Chris Yates couldn't get a sure enough footing for the kick to secure the points.
On 23 minutes Crowborough turned defence into attack moving the ball first left then right and back again before Andy Walters was brought down by a strong tackle just short of the line. More Crowborough pressure saw Ashford concede another penalty. Sadly Chris Yates again was unable to get the ball out of the morass sufficiently to convert into points.
The scoreboard did turnover a few minutes later when an Ashford kick failed to make touch. Mitch Malherbe fielded the ball and released Tom Burgess who in turn freed space for Chris Yates who quickly got the ball to Andy Walters. Seeing an opportunity with three forwards in front of him Andy Walters took off on a superbly powerful run to canter 50 metres for the score in the corner. 5 - 0.
The large home crowd, many of whom had enjoyed an excellent 'past players' lunch didn't have to wait long for the next score. Again an Ashford mistake saw the ball come loose when they were a attacking. Captain Sean Derrick got his boot to the ball allowing Andy Walters to swoop. Another barnstorming run saw him make ground allowing him to put veteran Keith Brooker into space. He took the ball deep into Ashford territory before passing to Rob Horsfall-Turner who crashed over wide out. 10 - 0. The conversation was unfortunately missed again, the footing being very difficult for Chris Yates.
Half time 10 - 0
The second half had only just begun before Crowborough extended their lead further. Mitch Malherbe latched onto a wayward Ashford pass and turned a dangerous situation into a home score. Seeing the space he used his pace to gallop the 50 metres for the try in the far right hand corner. 15 - 0. The kick was missed by Chris Yates again.
Whenever Ashford had the ball they worked hard and created space but weren't quite sharp enough to turn possession into points. Their outside half was lively and with their back row was the creator of much good work. On the 60 minute mark they came very close but the excellent Crowborough defence kept the Ashford side of the scoreboard blank.
The home scrum continued to dominate with Nick Hill, an unsung hero, in the boiler room. They continued to drive Ashford backwards regardless of whose put in it was. This created the platform for the home backs to continue to play with confidence despite the increasingly muddy conditions. Mitch Malherbe fielded a high ball and released Chris Yates who made good ground but he was brought down on route to the try line.
Ashford still wouldn't lie down and on 65 minutes Crowborough had to concede a silly penalty to prevent a score. Philip Price saw yellow for his indiscretion but Ashford couldn't exploit the extra man. In fact it was 'Boro who scored next. The ball was secured at a ruck with ball eventually reaching Chris Yates who side-stepped over for the important bonus point try. He added the extra points. 22 - 0
The final blow for Ashford was when they suffered the indignity of a yellow card for back chat to the referee, just before the final whistle.
This was a great win for the home side in very difficult condition’s, this see’s Boro’ move up the table to ninth place level with Old Alleynians and just ahead of next weeks opposition, Old Colfeians.
Coach Richard Siggs was delighted with the win, especially how the game had been played in the conditions. He had special praise for Keith Brooker who step back up to the 1st XV after a number of years, he was excellent from start to finish. Crowborough will need to take this form into their away fixture against Old Colfeians next Saturday. Kick off. 2:30pm.
On 23 minutes Crowborough turned defence into attack moving the ball first left then right and back again before Andy Walters was brought down by a strong tackle just short of the line. More Crowborough pressure saw Ashford concede another penalty. Sadly Chris Yates again was unable to get the ball out of the morass sufficiently to convert into points.
The scoreboard did turnover a few minutes later when an Ashford kick failed to make touch. Mitch Malherbe fielded the ball and released Tom Burgess who in turn freed space for Chris Yates who quickly got the ball to Andy Walters. Seeing an opportunity with three forwards in front of him Andy Walters took off on a superbly powerful run to canter 50 metres for the score in the corner. 5 - 0.
The large home crowd, many of whom had enjoyed an excellent 'past players' lunch didn't have to wait long for the next score. Again an Ashford mistake saw the ball come loose when they were a attacking. Captain Sean Derrick got his boot to the ball allowing Andy Walters to swoop. Another barnstorming run saw him make ground allowing him to put veteran Keith Brooker into space. He took the ball deep into Ashford territory before passing to Rob Horsfall-Turner who crashed over wide out. 10 - 0. The conversation was unfortunately missed again, the footing being very difficult for Chris Yates.
Half time 10 - 0
The second half had only just begun before Crowborough extended their lead further. Mitch Malherbe latched onto a wayward Ashford pass and turned a dangerous situation into a home score. Seeing the space he used his pace to gallop the 50 metres for the try in the far right hand corner. 15 - 0. The kick was missed by Chris Yates again.
Whenever Ashford had the ball they worked hard and created space but weren't quite sharp enough to turn possession into points. Their outside half was lively and with their back row was the creator of much good work. On the 60 minute mark they came very close but the excellent Crowborough defence kept the Ashford side of the scoreboard blank.
The home scrum continued to dominate with Nick Hill, an unsung hero, in the boiler room. They continued to drive Ashford backwards regardless of whose put in it was. This created the platform for the home backs to continue to play with confidence despite the increasingly muddy conditions. Mitch Malherbe fielded a high ball and released Chris Yates who made good ground but he was brought down on route to the try line.
Ashford still wouldn't lie down and on 65 minutes Crowborough had to concede a silly penalty to prevent a score. Philip Price saw yellow for his indiscretion but Ashford couldn't exploit the extra man. In fact it was 'Boro who scored next. The ball was secured at a ruck with ball eventually reaching Chris Yates who side-stepped over for the important bonus point try. He added the extra points. 22 - 0
The final blow for Ashford was when they suffered the indignity of a yellow card for back chat to the referee, just before the final whistle.
This was a great win for the home side in very difficult condition’s, this see’s Boro’ move up the table to ninth place level with Old Alleynians and just ahead of next weeks opposition, Old Colfeians.
Coach Richard Siggs was delighted with the win, especially how the game had been played in the conditions. He had special praise for Keith Brooker who step back up to the 1st XV after a number of years, he was excellent from start to finish. Crowborough will need to take this form into their away fixture against Old Colfeians next Saturday. Kick off. 2:30pm.
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