Ashfield U17's 21 : 0 Boston U17's
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12th October 2008
What a change in weather conditions from our last outing, a warm summer’s day (in October?) welcomed our visitor from Boston. Building on the dominant platform of our previous victory a drive and maul was the game plan releasing the backs off a good platform.
From the kick off the Ashfield front 8, playing against a heavier pack drove down field into the oppositions half and after some sustained pressure a penalty was awarded against the visitors and up stepped the steady boot of Adam Dawson to score from around 30m out.
This was the start Ashfield wanted and with confidence high hooker Jake Manning took the ball against the head time and time again. But for indecision and slow ball on a couple of occasions addition scores could have been taken by the home side.
This sustained pressure lead to the opening try for Chris Houseman to drive over at the corner, however the acute angle was too much for Adam Dawson to convert. This score woke Boston and to their credit drove back at our defence but with some resolute defending and good organisation from centre Danny Wilson, the backs held their line firm until half time, 11-0 to the home side.
For the first 15 minutes of the second half the game was edge by Ashfield who didn’t let their visitors settle into any rhythm that would allow them good possession. It is probably unfair to single out players because they all played their part however Reece Courtney and Ryan Carraher had particular good games in both ball carrying and good back-row play generally.
With the visitors defence creaking Chris Houseman went over for his second try after 18 minutes but again the angle was too tight for the conversion attempt. Chris Housman went over for his third try after 31 minutes making the final score Ashfield 21 Boston 0
This was a very satisfying game and certainly one of most complete performance by an Ashfield team from the junior ranks. Not too often can credit be given to all 17 players but today was one of them – well done!
Back of the match Danny Wilson, forward of the match Ryan Carraher and man of the match Chris Houseman.
Report by Paul Wilson.