Kentish Express Ashford & District
Spirited display despite away loss
Basement boys Ashford are still in pursuit of their first London 2 South East points of the season after they lost 36-5 at Beccehamian, despite a spirited performance on Saturday.
There was a stronger showing from the pack and better running from the backs but, overall, Ashford’s key problem remains reducing the error count and being sharper in responding to what is happening around them. The non-availability of several established players created opportunities for newcomers, notably full-back Nadeen Makhalfa and scrum-half Harvard Fitzmaurice. In the backs, in addition to two newcomers, there were two positional changes, with Rhys Fussell moving to centre and Ben Gray to stand-off.
Beccehamian led 22-0 at the interval and the second period bore a strong resemblance to previous Ashford performances this season, as they conceded a try in the opening minutes, and another in the last 10.
They registered their only score, a try from hooker Dan Sherrin, in the 75th minute after a period of good driving play.
Ashford 3rds welcomed University of Kent 2nds for their first-ever encounter and were also beaten.
The first quarter proved evenly matched but, at the start of the second quarter, the University of Kent broke the Ashford defensive line twice, and added a third try on the stroke of half-time to secure a 19-0 lead.
The first quarter of the second half followed a similar pattern, with the visitors scoring two more tries, and approached the last quarter holding a comfortable
31-0 advantage.
Ashford scored the last try of the game, though, with the pack creating an opening that led to Shane Bushell scoring under the posts.
A successful conversion followed, however Ashford were well beaten.
On Sunday, Ashford Women’s game against New Ash Green was postponed due to illness in the visitors’ squad.
The game will be re-arranged for the new year.