Ashfield RUFC aces turning Larwood Park into a fortress

CAPTAIN MARVEL -- Ashfield skipper Chris Houseman leads by example in the victory against Ashby.

Looking to avenge a 37-26 defeat at the hands of the same side on the opening day of the season, Ashfield played home advantage to perfection to triumph 15-10 and cement fifth place in the Midlands 3 East (North) table of the National League.

Tries from backs Jono Richardson and Curtis Green, plus five points from the boot of Gareth Purnell, secured the win in a dogged performance that drew rich praise from director of rugby, Mark Denman.

“It is evident that any team coming to Larwood Park have to be prepared for a battle over 80 minutes,” said Denman. “We play a high-tempo game and we are not afraid to put our bodies on the line to defend our home record, which is a key factor in our success this term.

“The boys did everything that was expected of them. As the game progressed, we got better, which is testament to the strength we have from not only the starting 15 but also the three replacements.”

Notoriously slow starters, Ashfield squandered the chance of an early lead when Purnell missed a penalty from 30 metres out, and Ashby cashed in when scoring a converted try of some note on their first attack. Even though the hosts did get on the scoresheet through a Purnell penalty, they lost man-of-the-match Jake Manning with five minutes of the first half left when he received a yellow card for persistent infringements.

However, from then on, Ashfield moved through the gears to take their game to another level. Confidence rose and once they got their noses in front, there was only going to be one winner.

Richardson cut through the defence, leaving four players in his wake, and then Green capitalised on a Billy North interception to score the all-important tries. Purnell kicked one conversion and was unlucky to see the other hit the far upright.

Meanwhile the forwards were as dominant, especially in the scrum, as they have been in any game this season. Massive performances were delivered by Dan Morgan, Greg Newbutt, Reece Courtney and Chris Warnes, winning praise from coach Gareth Jones, while North pulled the strings from fly-half.

Ashfield now face two away fixtures, against bottom team Sleaford on January 16 and mid-table Aylestone St James the following Saturday.