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| Rugby
>> Match Report |
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| Date: |
Sat 2nd April |
| Match: |
AOE 1sts v Halesonians. ( North Midlands Shield ) |
| Result: |
Halesonians 22 -- 3 Aston Old Eds |
| Report: |
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A disappointing show from Aston saw them bow out of the Shield competition on Saturday. A strong wind blew across the pitch throughout and Halesonians coped better with the conditions which were challenging. Hales scored an early try, punching through an unorganised defence initially and were fast enough and creative enough to finish well and convert. Aston came back hard and had two excellent opportunities to score but were denied both on the line. The wind rendered many of the attempts at creative rugby ineffectual but Aston had Hales pegged back in their own half for much of the first period, allowing Bennett to open the scoring for Aston with a penalty. Hales missed with a penalty attempt soon afterwards as they made a visit to within kicking distance of Aston's posts but they turned round with a four point lead at the break.
Aston found progress in the second half very difficult, having to contend not only with the wind but also a slope and a Hales scrum which began to push them vigorously off their own ball. Aston made a rare sally at this stage into the Hales half and missed with a penalty attempt and, in trying to run the ball in their own half, knocked on and gave away a try, though the referee did not spot a knock on by Hales in the same movement. With the line out a lottery because of the conditions Aston had little set ball on which to rely but were often superior to their opponents in the loose where some good work was evident. This enabled them to exert pressure near the Hales line but Hales withstood this to work the ball clear. Aston did not threaten through the backs and too much ball was spilled trying to make passes which were just too ambitious in the wind, inviting pressure needlessly. The forwards resumed their sterling efforts in the loose but Hales broke away and kicked a penalty for 17-3 before each side had a man red carded. The pace of the Hales backs was once again in evidence when they scored a late try in the corner from deep, rounding the Aston defence on the outside but failing to convert for the last points on the board.
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Season 07/08
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