West End 13 - 19 Ashington 2nds
A very good game at a slippy pitch at West End's home ground.
There were a number of players missing today which meant West End had to borrow a few players from Ashington and many players getting shifted into other positions.
The game kicked off with Ashington losing out on scrums and lineouts from a very good West End forward pack. That quickly turned around with Ashington running though to score a try and conversion slotted. After that the game was going well for West End especially for the forwards who were putting in a great shift. The home team had a number of very good scrums where Michael Pritchard was placed into prop, and Harvey Thompson placed into flanker.
From chasing a kick off John McGrann had to be taken off the field with a head injury from a big tackle. The game got faster with the backs putting in a number of good plays to get the ball further up the field followed by another good piece of play where the forwards and back teamed up to execute some organised rugby. The ball then quickly came loose at the halfway line where Ewan Pritchard picked the ball up and ran over to score a try under the posts (oh no wait he didn't) which takes him up to 6 this season.
Despite a number of injuries picked up, this did not stop them from scoring again, this time it was the forwards who played amazing at the breakdown multiple times for Justen Elliot to run in for a well deserved try. Some great coaching advice to the players from Ian Grayson explaining that the forwards had to be supporting the backs more, this made sure that West End did not lose the ball as much in the second half.
West End were spoilt with opportunities to score but weren't taken and a great run from Ashington enabled them to score again. With 10 minutes left to play stand in skipper Marty McHugh took a good kick to take a 1 point lead, but it wasnt to last aa West End slipped up which meant Ashington scored again.
The forwards did not lie down for the home side by pushing the Ashington pack back which gave Jacob Foy a good chance to open up and run, and for many of the backs to break through and test the Ashington backa again.
After a hard days work for West End they had one had one last push and the game was over. This was arguably the best game West End have played all season against a very good Ashington team.
A great game from Marty McHugh today as skipper, very solid performance and verbal with his backs. A big thank you to the replacement Ashington players who helped ensure the game was competitive.
Tries: Ewan Pritchard, Justin Elliot
Penalty: Marty McHugh
