Ashbourne edge to a fine first-day win at Southwell
Rugby Club got their Midlands Two East (North) season up and running with a hard-earned 20-14 win away at Southwell – a team who beat them home and away last season.
Ashbourne were missing new captain Ollie Ruddock, who is on holiday, so vice-captain Steve Maznenko led the side.
Richard Smith ran in two similar tries in the first half, both when he gathered short kicks over the top of the Southwell defence.
Rob Farr converted both of the tries and added a penalty as Ashbourne dominated the first half with the wind in their favour to lead 17-0.
Farr’s kicking generally, apart from his points, was a key factor as they kept Southwell on the back foot and there was good work from the back row of Maznenko, Mark Broom and Arran Bodger to win turnover ball and give their side a good attacking platform.
There was not so much ball in the second half as Ashbourne had to dig in and defend, not least when Farr had to spend a spell in the sin bin.
But although Southwell managed two converted tries, another penalty from Farr late on in the second half kept the home side at arm’s length.
Ashbourne travel again on Saturday, with a visit to promoted Ashby, who got their campaign started with a 42-19 defeat away to Newark.
Ruddock will again be unavailable for that game but returns to take on the captaincy after that.
It was a good weekend all round for the club with the seconds beating Stafford’s development team 22-17 and the thirds winning 45-17 against Ashfield.