Ashton looked to build on last week’s derby victory against a new opposition in Rochdale 4’s. The 2’s had two debutants, Harry McCallum and former Ashton colt Tom Broodbank and the welcomed return of Jack Pedder. Week on week the twos are seeing new players come to the fold and it is clearly showing from recent results.

The opening engagements were cagey, the visitors had multiple big carriers who looked like they could cause problems but resolute defending in the first 10 from Edwin, Alex Maynard and Pedder stopped any signs of a potential upset. Ashton built from a stop defence with excellent work from set piece to give stand in fly half George Guerin the ability to unlock Ashton’s exciting back line. Ashton went ahead early on and never looked back.

As the half progressed the spaces in the visitors defence opened, allowing Collier, Edwin and McCallum to power over to take Ashton into the half having a comfortable lead. In the second the 2’s saw returns from Injury for Kane and Titch who helped bolster the squads quality, both had many strong runs in the second half and looked back up to full speed. Debutant Broodbank kicked excellently from the tee and showed quality with ball in hand, as will only improve as he develops into senior rugby.

Special mention to David Shaw, Si B, George Guerin and Charlie McCallum who pulled on a shirt for Rochdale in parts of the game when the away side fell victim to multiple injuries, this helped keep the game going and really showed the spirit of rugby which should be adopted at this level.

As the half progressed on Sam Lofthouse really showed this quality, since returning to rugby Lofty has been the heartbeat of the masher’s bringing the team closer and giving his all for the club, his rewards came in the game with two tries and MOTM which is credit to his improvement game on game and standards set to outwork every team we face.

Ashton ran out clear winners and have eyes set on next weeks clash versus Eccles, the reverse fixture was a close encounter and we look forward to another great game.