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Littleborough 33 Ashton 3

11/ 3/2008

SATURDAY’S match at Rakewood was played in very difficult conditions.

A heavy pitch and horizontal rain meant whichever team mastered the elements better would run out winners.

Playing up the slope and into the rain, Littleborough’s game was one of containment.

From the kick-off Ashton, a forward-orientated team, put Boro under severe pressure, but the home front eight coped well, using driving mauls and strong defence.

One of Boro’s few forays into the Ashton half brought the first points.

A knock-on by the Ashton centre was seized on by Holbrook who kicked through into the Ashton 25.

From the resulting lineout, good ball by Irving gave the Boro forwards the chance to set up a driving maul, and Elvidge scored in the corner.

Walton converted into the teeth of the wind to add the extra points.

From the restart Ashton put more pressure on the Boro line, and a technical offence near the posts resulted in the ball being slotted over.

In the second half, astute kicking from Walton, Holbrook and Davies, rapid closing down of the opposition, and the use of the driving maul meant Boro, with the slope and rain behind them, knew they would create scoring opportunities.

Wave after wave of attacking play meant it was only a matter of time before the home side added to their first-half score.

The hosts were dominant, and slick handling made a mockery of the conditions, resulting in the best try of the afternoon, from Elvidge. Walton added the extra points.

A scrum in the away 22 gave Irving the opportunity to pick up and drive at the opposition defence. A deft pass to Kolbuck saw the scrum-half score in the corner.

From a lineout, charging runs by Murgatroyd, Forden and Dickinson caused panic in the Ashton defence and gave Holbrook the opportunity to crash over near the posts. Walton converted.

In the closing minutes a blindside move gave Galvin a chance to finish off the scoring. Another wonderful touchline kick from Walton added the two points.

The final whistle brought relief for players, referee and spectators alike.

If the game had gone on much longer hypothermia could easily have set-in.