Inexperienced Ashington team shows promise but is no match for Sedgefield
A young Ashington team containing seven colts in the squad was no match for a big, strong Sedgefield outfit.
Ash were 20 points down after 20 minutes, paying dearly for missed tackles and poor options, a feature throughout the match.
On 20 minutes a lovely Alex Richardson pass, making his debut at 17 years old, hit Chris Johnson running a hard line on the blindside and he crashed through two attempted tackles to score, Owen Jarvis adding the conversion to make the score 20-7.
Unfortunately the Ash revival was short-lived, conceding two further first half tries and losing influential second row Jack Scantlebury before half time. Scantlebury was replaced by colt Leo Townsley.
Shortly after the restart, a Lewis Perrin charge down set up a good attacking position and replacement prop Dylan McMorn forced his way over for his first try for the first team, Jarvis converting.
Ash then had a period of pressure but were unable to score before the home team’s physicality took over in the last 15 minutes enabling them to add three further tries.
Whilst this was a disappointing performance by Ashington, the seven colts displayed plenty of promise and effort, and can only improve with training and more game time.
Ashington’s man of the match was skipper Rich Harmer, who dominated the lineout and was a willing ball carrier throughout.
Final score Sedgefield 49 Ashington 14.
This Saturday (December 13) Ash are at home to Houghton and will hope to have some of their big name players back and fit. Kick off 2pm.
Ash 2s are also at home to Blyth 2s, with the same kick-off time.