Despite being without several regulars Aspatria collected five more points with a 29-5 win at Acklam in Durham Northumberland One.
The travelled in the full knowledge that only a win would keep them in the hunt for a top four finish and to achieve a bonus point win in difficult circumstances says a lot for Aspatria’s resolve.
Injuries and unavailability impacted on Aspatria’s preparations but the return of captain Matthew Atkinson after two weeks out, and the appearance of old war horses Graham Andrews and Mark Beverley added some steal to the pack.
They remain in fifth place, five points adrift of fourth placed Stockton but with a game in hand which takes place on Saturday.
It’s the postponed away fixture against Championship chasing Percy Park which will be a difficult ask but the Black Reds will need something from this game to keep the pressure on Stockton.
Aspatria had first use of a stiff breeze blowing down Acklam’s wide playing surface and they immediately applied pressure. After several phases of expansive rugby, the returning Atkinson crashed over in the corner.
The pressure continued from the away side and minutes later they were 12-0 up. A superb carry by back row Luke Jackson burst a tackle and he off-loaded to onrushing hooker Adam Cavanagh who went under the sticks for a converted try.
Throughout the game Aspatria reacted positively to the referee’s decisions, taking heed of his advice pre kick-off not to back chat or appeal decisions. The home side ignored the warning and constantly fell foul of the official throughout the game.
Although on top for the remainder of the half, Aspatria failed to add further scores and five minutes before half time the hosts struck back.
Miscommunication in the Aspatria ranks failed to clear a dangerous attack and Acklam put together several phases before the winger found space and crashed over in the corner.
A half-time score of 5-12 did not really reflect Aspatria’s overall dominance, and in turning round against the wind, they were under no illusion regarding the task ahead.
However, it proved easier going than anticipated as Aspatria spent the majority of the half camped in the Acklam half.
Exceptional work by the forwards secured regular ball both from scrum and line-out. Controlling possession made sure the home side rarely escaped their lines.
Three further tries were added with Atkinson securing his second and third, both coming from superb scrum platforms. The other went to winger Grant Bethwaite who showed great strength to carry his opposite number over the line.
All three were scored out wide, but it took until the third for kicker to judge the wind and angle required to see the final one split the uprights.
As frustrations grew for the home side an Acklam forward was yellow carded and another ended up with a red for some unwise advice for the man in the middle.
In the last 15 minutes the travelling Aspatria supporters had a glimpse of the future when 17-year-old Riley Thwaites come off the bench to make his senior debut in the pack. Thwaites certainly put himself about when on the field and the coaching staff will look forward to him adding additional competition to the pack as the season hots up.
