Ashton hat-trick on debut shows he is ready to step back into the England fold
CHRIS ASHTON’S script-writer was at it again yesterday. The England wing marked his comeback from a ban in sensational style, with a hat-trick on his competitive debut for Sale.
There weren’t many spectators at the AJ Bell Stadium for the Sharks’ Challenge Cup demolition of Connacht but the sight of Ashton crossing the line three times brought the house down.
This was what the player, his new club and national coach Eddie Jones had been waiting for; the prolific finisher doing what he does best. A dangerous tackle during a pre-season fixture against Castres had led to a sevenweek ban, which appeared to threaten the prospect of a swift Test comeback, following his summer move from Toulon. But Ashton would not be denied.
The signs were not promising early on yesterday. After 15 minutes Ashton had not touched the ball. Not with his hands, anyway. He had received one pass, too low, which he had to kick ahead, to no avail. In the 23rd minute, a pass landed in his hands but it was behind him.
But he started to come into the game more. He took a quick tap penalty, only to be called back by the referee. He seized a high kick superbly, under pressure. He released Sam James with a deft, blind pass. And then he scored.
Three minutes before half-time, Sale won a turn-over in their own half and attacked from deep. The ball was shipped right, as far as James, who crossed halfway and released Ashton in space. He fended off the last defender twice and surged on to the line.
The next try came just before the hour. Sale were awarded a penalty close to the visitors’ line and before Connacht had taken a breath, Ashton had tapped, darted, swerved and struck. The hat-trick try was a simple finish from another scoring pass by James.
These were parting gifts to his new club. He has only just arrived, in a sense, and he is off again. Ashton will join up with England this week, for their warm-weather training camp in the Algarve. This precious gametime and scoring return will aid his quest to earn a Test recall.
In 39 previous international matches, he touched down 19 times. It is a knack which has stayed with him. On this evidence, there is no reason why he cannot add to that tally next month.