Ashbourne 25 Casuals 25

Midlands 3 East North
March 26th 2011

Ashbourne 25 Casuals 25

High drama, a huge break just before ½ time for Paul Greensmith to get a helicopter ride to Derby, (he’s alright, came out of hospital early evening), lead changing hands, and Casuals coming back at the last, nearly snatching victory from an improbable position.
It was intense, some very committed tackling,and a lot effort put in by both sides

Ben Wells was first on the score sheet, and he didn’t need any help for this one.

Higgins missed a penalty kick at goal, and from the 22 restart, Wells rushed forward and leapt up to meet the kick, which was a bit flat, and he stole the ball from under the noses (well, over the heads) of the chasing Ashbourne players. Nothing the defence could do as his run took him clean through.
Higgins was on target this time as he was a little later with a simple penalty.

In the meantime Casuals nearly lost Ben Hallam, as he was blatantly taken out as he jumped up to catch a kick ahead, but both perpetrator and Hallam stayed on.
Ashbourne then posted a converted try to pull back 7 points.
With the score at 7 – 10 Greensmith was left prone, and the wait for the Air Ambulance meant a long delay in the game. Nearly 40 minutes elapsed before the game could restart, and it was Ashbourne who got into their stride quicker.
Disagreed mith the timing as I made it 46 minutes elapsed before the delay, and maybe 1 minute left to half time. But the restarted game was into it’s 49th minute when Ashbourne crossed for an unconverted try.
H/T 12 – 10

Second half saw Ashbourne in the ascendancy.
Firstly, after building up some pressure, they scored a try in the corner, followed by a rather bizarre score as a speculative kick was missed by several Casuals defenders, and the onrushing Ashbourne attacker secured the bouncing ball to add another try.

22 – 10 down, Casuals looked a little forlorn, but then they suddenly surged back into the game.

Straight from the kick off they took the game back to Ashbourne.

Ben Wells benefited from Casuals forwards play when they surged downfield, driving Ashbourne back. He emerged from a maul as the ball was re-cycled and dived in for his second touch down
Although Higgins missed the conversion, he was spot on with his next kick, putting over a penalty to pull Casuals to within a losing bonus point position.
Ashbourne then converted a penalty from in front of the posts to reopen the gap.

But Casuals still had some fight left in them, and centre Charlie Bradwell scored his first try for the 1sts, when he sliced through and ran clear to touch down under the posts and casuals levelled the scores when Higgins kicked the conversion.

A tense last few seconds as Casuals pressed to get the winning score, but it ended with a dramatic draw, Ashbourne taking the try bonus point.

2 games left, Casuals can still win the league, but should be able to gain promotion.
Melbourne were trounced 53 – 15 by Dronfield to help Casuals cause.

Next up will be Ashfield on the 9th April, followed by Dronfield on the 16th, both at home.

Next week, don't know at the moment what is happening.
The NLD Shield game is yet to be confirmed by Bakewell

Stephen Greensmith writes:
If I may, can I just say a big thank you to all who helped look after Paul and to those who sent their good wishes.

A special thank you to Higgins and Cat James for your time and care.

Paul is home now and well. He is moving a bit gingerly and in a some pain but thanks to you I'm sure he will be fine.
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I think I can speak for all at the game. that we are very glad that all that Pauls has got is a pain in the a--e.
Seriously though, glad Paul is ok, and a speedy recovery.
A lot of people have sent me texts and emails asking about his health.

However, I would thank the persons from Ashbourne who you see on the photos, and the Air Ambulance staff.
Gibbo asked if he could have one of the uniforms. Why?