It was another disappointing away day in the north east for Aspatria, going down 38-12 at West Hartlepool in Regional 2 North.
There was no lack of effort on show from those in Black and Red but they have set the coaching team a challenge.
During the game Aspatria at least shared time in possession, arguably had the better of field position and in the opponents 22 established just as many try scoring opportunities as their hosts.
Why these factors did not develop into a much closer contest will provoke for a good deal of discussion at Bower Park’s upcoming training sessions.
Aspatria’s problems should not detract from a workmanlike performance from West Hartlepool who have slowly battled their way out of the relegation fight. This deserved victory over Aspatria ensures that the North East side will remain at Level 6 for next season.
Aspatria, despite recent defeats, remain fifth in the division and secured their safety several weeks ago. However, they will not want what has been a promising season just to fizzle out.
The game started with the hosts gifting a try to Aspatria. From the kick off Wests allowed the ball to bobble into touch deep in the home 22. Wests botched the line out and Aspatria regained possession from the scrum to attack the line where prop Jack Gaskell did the honours at the corner flag.
It was a welcome gift from Wests but the last of the day. Only a few minutes later a penalty pushed Wests into the Aspatria 22. A further penalty followed and this developed into a rolling maul across the line to even the score at 5-5.
Penalties kept coming for Wests and one of these was eventually in range of the kicker and duly despatched. This was a period of indiscipline for Aspatria and the concession of penalties kept them in the wrong half of the field.
On 25 minutes Wests took advantage. A penalty and then a line out around the 22 turned into a flowing backs move and a cut-out pass opened the gap for a second score.
Aspatria were 13-5 down but as the final ten minutes of the half approached they were on top of the home side.
Aspatria developed an extended period of possession in the danger area. The referee handed out penalty upon penalty as the visitors pushed for a score.
The defence was desperate at times and perhaps even worthy of a yellow card but neither that or a score came.
It really was a blow for Aspatria when Wests not only escaped the Black Reds’ grip but moved the ball rapidly up-field for try number three to end the half 18-5 ahead.
Within a couple of minutes of the restart Wests extended the lead with a penalty but at this stage Aspatria’s body language still suggested that the game was not yet dead.
They really should have scored with their next attack but another position only five metres out was wasted. A price was paid as another attack from deep delivered a bonus point try for Wests.
Wests looked fully capable of closing the result out and they made certain on 62 minutes with a flowing backs move from around halfway, moving the score out to 33-5.
Aspatria were still fully capable of mounting attacks but unlike the hosts the killing instinct deserted them.
Late in the game Aspatria’s execution in possession began to improve but this was only able to deliver a consolation score with hooker Adam Cavanagh charging over.
The final word came from Wests who racked up try number six to finish with a flourish.
