Fussell upbeat despite cup loss

CAPTAIN’S TWO TRIES IN VAIN AS ASHFORD FALL AT FIRST HURDLE

Rhys Fussell scored two tries as Ashford went out of the RFU Intermediate Cup at the first hurdle in West Sussex on Saturday.

Henry Hall’s penalty put them 3-0 up early on but Ashford paid the price for a poor 15-minute spell and trailed 22-3 inside the opening half hour, in the first of three meetings between the two London South East 2 rivals this season,

New skipper Fussell admitted; “We didn’t wake up and gave them two early tries and then conceded penalties in the second half due to poor discipline.”

New signing South African centre Josh Sheren marked his debut with a try before half-time.

Fussell grabbed his two scores after the break, winger Chris Baker set up the first with a 40-metre break, before passing inside.

However, the home

side then HORSHAM ASHFORD extended their lead with two converted tries of their own.

Former skipper Peter Walsh’s kick ahead started the move for Fussell’s second try, the skipper kept the ball moving in similar fashion before scooping it up and diving over the line.

Fussell was still in positive mood, despite the defeat, adding: “We were good in open play and when the ball was in our hands.”

Ashford begin their league campaign with a trip to Old Colfeians at Lee Green on Saturday, hoping to avenge a one-point defeat (35-34)

Beckenham v Crowborough, Dartfordians v Sevenoaks, Old Alleynians v Deal & Betteshanger, Old Colfeians v Ashford, Thanet Wanderers v Hove, Tunbridge Wells v Horsham. there on the opening day last season.

Fussell added: “We have been working hard in training and go there with a game plan hoping to win.

“Our new coach Darren Hall has settled in well, providing players with stats after games and working with them as individuals and in groups.”

Sheren and Baker are unavailable this weekend, while young scrum-half Ben Cooper is off to Cardiff University.

Meanwhile, club chairman John Norman believes England are good enough to reach the World Cup last four.

He will be at Twickenham tomorrow (Friday) for the opening game against Fiji and said: “England should get to the semi-finals, then it will depend on the draw, injuries and whose still standing.

“New Zealand are my tip to win it but South Africa could creep in there.”

Mr Norman added: “Everybody at the club is excited by it. We are screening all the games, which should provide us with good revenues.”

‘We were good in

open play’