Ashford RFC U13s Match Report 22nd January 06

Ashford U13s 65 – Thanet U13s 0

Thanet came into this match on a run of form which had seen them win five matches in succession. A large and robust Thanet pack strongly contested the opening exchanges but eventually Ashford prevailed by 11 tries to nil.

Ashford took some time to assert themselves up front but eventually forced their way into Thanet’s defensive 22 metre area. On 5 minutes prop Tom Collins burst through the defence to touch down near the posts and open the scores.

From the restart Ashford re-applied territorial pressure and on 8 minutes winger Gareth Jenner powered down the left wing and scored in the corner. This try signalled the opening of the floodgates as a further six first half tries were scored in the next 15 minutes.

From the restart Thanet kicked long and the ball was caught by winger Harry Atkins. The pacey Atkins sped 80 metres down the pitch, evaded several tackles and dived over in the corner.

Following this score the match developed a repetitive rhythm as Ashford would score, Thanet would restart and Ashford would break through the defence to score again. There was one more try apiece for Collins and Atkins, plus tries for George Morgan, Adam Batt and Grant Noremac. The half time score concluded at 46-0 in Ashford’s favour.

In the second half Ashford introduced a number of their less experienced players, including debut appearances for prop Jamie Lukehurst and winger Patrick Khedher. Despite the relative inexperience of the side, the Ashford boys immediately applied pressure on the Thanet line. Ashford disrupted a Thanet defensive scrum and lock George Woodrow barged his way over to touch down under the posts. Five minutes later Ashford knocked on as the drove over the Thanet line. From the resulting scrum wing forward Rory Beech tackled the Thanet fly half on the try line. The spilled ball was pounced on by No.8 Christopher Albrow to claim Ashford’s tenth try.

Debut winger Patrick Khedher completed Ashford’s scoring on 42 minutes when, following a ruck on the Thanet 5 metre line, he picked up the loose ball and dived over. The final score was 65-0 in Ashford’s favour.

Daniel Head scored 2 conversions and Louis Burdon 3. Christopher Albrow was awarded the player of the week trophy.

This weekend – 29^th January – Ashford are scheduled to entertain Sittingbourne.