For the first pre-season friendly Aspatria took a nostalgic trip down the M6 to play Tarleton.
The West Lancs club missed out last season on a bump-up to the new Level 6 regional leagues but judging from this performance against the Black Reds appear well on course to move forward in the coming season.
Due to holiday and work commitments the Black Reds left behind close to 10 players who will expect to be in contention for a 1st XV berth.
However they were still able to take a competitive squad of 22 players for the journey south.
Everyone was given game time as the on-field personnel of both teams was regularly changed.
Despite the heat the game was played at a ferocious pace and it appeared to the neutral observer that both squads have taken pre-season fitness seriously.
The balance of the game shifted several times during the full 80 minutes.
Tarleton were quickly out of the starting blocks and registered two early tries. It took a good ten minutes for Aspatria to settle down but from that point they played a fluid brand of rugby.
The exciting young back division, which grew in stature last season, clicked into gear and by the 15th minute Aspatria had responded with two fine scores.
On the stroke of half time the backs again combined to end the half with a 3 try to 2 advantage.
The second period had another 5 tries but this time the 3-2 advantage went Tarleton’s way.
The deciding factor came down to Aspatria losing good field position and allowing an under-pressure Tarleton to break away for two of the scores.
So the game ended five tries each but due to a penalty goal taken by Tarleton earlier in the game they shaded the score board 32:31.
Considering that this was the first hit out, and in searing heat, both sets of coaches must have been pleased with what they saw.
Certainly for Aspatria the game was a big success with the welcome return of several senior players to bolster the squad for the challenges that undoubtably lie ahead.
Several of the returning senior players played only a brief part last season due to injury or other commitments but have now declared themselves fit and available.
Amongst these are Greg Dickinson who can take on any position in the second or back row; Jason Ward who can cover scrum half or wing and Stuart Creighton a robust ball carrying forward.
Add to this list Lee Askew and Tom Gardner, both experienced operators in the back division but plagued with injury last season, and Aspatria’s squad is as strong as it’s been for some time.
