Ashington run in the tries to record second consecutive home win
Ashington got off to a flying start against North Shields, rattling in four tries in the first 14 minutes in this highly entertaining, free flowing game.
Bobby Young got Ashington’s first try after three minutes, bursting through three attempted tackles to score near the posts, Johnny Arkle adding the first of six conversions.
Andrew Reynolds extended Ashington’s lead with the first of his three excellent tries, beating five men on the way to the try line, including a magnificent side step past the full back.
On 12 minutes a lovely break saw Ryan Taylor in support, the youngster streaking down the line to outpace the cover from 35 metres. From the restart, a Connor Rogerson break saw a perfectly timed pass to Dan Lansbury, who raced in for Ashington’s fourth try, to give Ash a 24-0 lead after only 14 minutes.
North Shields fought their way back into the match and Ash were forced to defend before Lansbury scored his second try latching onto a loose ball to race in, Arkle’s conversion giving the home side a 31-0 lead on 33 minutes.
Again Shields fought their way into the Ashington 22 and on the stroke of half time scored their first try with a lovely line through the centre to give a 31-7 half-time score.
Ash started the second half strongly, and after five minutes, from a huge Ash scrum, Joey Moulding hit a straight line to score wide out.
Three minutes later, Ash man of the match Chris Johnson broke blind on halfway and fed Reynolds, who raced half the length of the pitch to get his second try.
Shields got their second try before Reynolds added his hat-trick after a superb Lansbury break and pass again saw Reynolds outpacing the cover to run in another long distance try.
Shields never gave up and added two late tries to win themselves a bonus point.
Final score Ashington 52 North Shields 28.
This was an excellent performance from Ashington who, after two great consecutive home wins against tough opponents, can travel to Hartlepool Rovers next week full of confidence.
Ash 2s had a difficult 66-0 loss against a strong Alnwick side.
Next week Ash 1s are away to Hartlepool Rovers, and Ash 2s are at home to Ryton. Both games are 3pm kick-off.