Aspatria endured a difficult afternoon in the North East at table-topping Northern.
The game and scoreline looked and were one-sided. This should not diminish the effort put in by the Aspatria team, which mounted a number of unsuccessful attacks that on another day may have made the points differential look more respectable.
It should be recorded that Northern were made to work hard for the majority of the tries they scored; there were very few gimmees.
Northern started the game in a three-way battle for the championship and guaranteed promotion.
They remain in the hunt courtesy of this ruthless performance against Aspatria. Northern made errors on the day but frankly too few to mention.
It was exceptional rugby from the North East side who never relented in their ambition to gain a full five points and dramatically improve their points difference.
Job done, as they went top of the table but with nothing yet certain as Middlesbrough and Morpeth are still yapping at their heels.
Northern scored early in the game and on the close of the first half delivered a 4th try to put a bonus point in the bag. A couple of penalties from Jack Clegg kept Aspatria interest alive as the first half petered out.
At this stage, the 19-6 scoreline did not look unduly bad for the visitor’s but a late score in the half opened the gap to 26:6 and this was enough to take away what limited hope Aspatria retained.
Into the second half, Northern scores came at regular intervals. Home progress was halted around the 50 minute mark when the Aspatria pack achieved a good position close to the line and back row James Dowling was able to cross for a converted score.
Other promising positions came Aspatria’s way but the home defence was simply too well organised and countered all attacking intent. Home tries continued to feature, some of them very well executed. The constant attacks by the home back division sapped energy from Aspatria who, although defiant, never found the answer.
Aspatria’s attentions now turn to the final 3 games of the season. All crucial to stay aloof from the relegation battle going on below. The Black Reds remain 8th in the table on 31 points with 4 teams below them. Carlisle 29 points, Upper Eden 25, Guisborough 25 and Kirkby Lonsdale 15.
It is now mathematically impossible for bottom side Kirkby Lonsdale to overtake Aspatria. Although they will not be giving up the battle, KL’s hopes of overhauling others in the fight seem slim.
The conclusion is that there is now one relegation place remaining, and it will be occupied by one of the following: Aspatria, Carlisle, Upper Eden, or Guisborough. Aspatria host Guisborough at Bower Park on Saturday in an absolutely pivotal game for both teams. It should be a cracker.
