Heavy defeat a ‘real low’

MANAGER STOKES SAYS TEAM GUILTY OF CAPITULATING AGAINST LEADERS

Manager Lloyd Stokes says Ashford have much work to do if they are to realise their potential after a mauling against the Shepherd Neame Kent 1 leaders on Saturday.

After beating Royal Bank of Scotland 60-0 on opening day, Ashford have now suffereed back-to-back defeats conceding 78 points in the process.

Stokes says the squad undoubtedly have ability but described the manner in which they capitulated against Beccs as ‘embarrassing.’

He said: “Beccs rightfully enjoyed their win and based on this will be major contenders for promotion.

“For Ashford, this was hugely embarrassing and a real low for all concerned. The way they rolled BECCEHAMIANS ASHFORD over so easily when the pressure came was unprecedented.

“The whole team lacked character, fight, looked hopelessly unfit in many cases and were guilty of making one poor decision after another.

“There is plenty of playing potential in this squad and in the Ashford senior set up as a whole but too many players seem to think they’re entitled to their shirt and need to stand up and put the work in to stop the rot.”

The match produced much good rugby but for the away supporters, it was all provided by the home side. Ashford began playing down the slope but from the first whistle they were off the pace.

The home side used their large strike runners to make holes in the Ashford defence but were equally adept at using playing behind their backs to unleash their backline.

This smart decision making and clear plan was a constant throughout and Ashford never got to grips with how to defend against it.

Within 25 minutes Ashford were already 20-plus points down with Beccs playing some great but simple rugby.

The introduction of Tom Perkins – making his debut from the bench – provided a brief ray of light as he immediately brought energy and physicality which had been so badly missing,

He was a credit to himself and the club and clearly has a bright future.

The final 10 minutes of the first half saw Ashford enjoy their best spell and eventually Danny Bushell went over to score their solitary try which Tanner converted.

The second half saw Beccehamians continue to stretch Ashford, who it seemed, spent the whole 40 minutes defending.

By the end of 80 minutes they had conceded 59 points, lost two players to yellow cards and had completely capitulated.

They will be looking for a big improvement on Saturday when they host Sittingbourne (3pm).

PW D L F A Ps Beccehamian .. 3 3 0 0 124 28 15 Kings Hosp ..... 3 3 0 0 86 54 15 Cranbrook....... 3 2 0 1 70 47 11 G’ham Anch .... 3 2 0 1 138 55 10 Vigo ................ 3 2 0 1 86 93 10 Sittingbourne .. 3 1 0 2 62 93 6 New Ash Grn... 3 1 0 2 72 113 6 Ashford ........... 3 1 0 2 72 78 5 Southwark L ... 3 1 0 2 51 71 5 Old G’send ...... 3 1 0 2 42 82 5 RBS ................ 3 1 0 2 45 108 5 HSBC .............. 3 0 0 3 54 80 1

Beccehamian 59 Ashford 7, Cranbrook 27 HSBC 15, New Ash Green 17 Gillingham Anchorians 71, Royal Bank of Scotland 20 King’s College Hospital 24, Sittingbourne 24 Old Gravesendians 15, Southwark Lancers 27 Vigo 17.

Ashford v Sittingbourne, Gillingham Anchorians v Southwark Lancers, HSBC v Beccehamian, King’s College Hospital v Vigo, Old Gravesendians v New Ash Green, Royal Bank of Scotland v Cranbrook.