12th Dec 09 Casuals 43 Ashfield nil

Midlands 3 East North
12th Dec 2009
Nott’m Casuals 43 Ashfield nil

Casuals back on home territory, playing on a superb surface which suits their style, were not the most generous of pre-christmas hosts.
Casuals’ strength in depth is key at the moment, missing several regulars through injury and temporary unavailabilities, the replacements stepped in and did a superb job.
Casuals built up a 24 0 half-time lead wih tries from Ben Wilkinson 2, Leon Jackson and Lewis Brown, with 2 conversions from Mark Higgins.
Wilko’s first try was a fine an individual effort. He easily fielded a kick ahead, and had time to run back, pulling the advancing Ashfield defenders midfield, then switched his line of attack and raced down the left wing leaving a bemused defence in his wake. Mark Higgins added the conversion.
The second try came via Leon Jackson. A tapped penalty, followed by an Irish gig from Higgins, he shipped the ball on to Richard Gill, who popped a pass to Jackson to rumble over.
Wilko then added his second. Casuals won possession from a ruck, and a straightforward transfer down the line, saw Ben run through the Ashfield defenders futile attempts, leaving his opposite number sprawled in a heap wondering what how he’d just been steam rollered..
The last try of the first half came from a scrum.
Ever youthful, Howard Sanderson took the ball from the base, he sold the defenders an audacious dummy, before creating a huge gap for Lewis Brown to run through and score, with a Higgins conversion to follow.
The 2nd half saw further tries from Brody Howatson, Higgins, finished off by another try from Josh Slack (his 2nd in 2 weeks)

The first try in the second half was a fairly simple effort, but executed well.
Good scrum ball, a show and shimmy from Higgins, his run opening just enough of a gap that Brody Howatson exploited, with another turn of speed, he whipped through the gap, a subtle change of direction saw him run clear past the flailing arms of the Ashfield players to cross the try line. Higgins added the extras.

It was Big H who set up the next try. He fielded a kick ahead, and as if rubbing salt into the wounds, he again dummied the onrushing Ashfield backs, and gave Mark Higgins a superbly timed pass for him to run in for the touchdown.

Higgins was the architect of the final try. Again simple is best
A scrum on the left, the ball came to Higgins who went on a loop, giving Josh Slack a straight run in for the final touch down, which Higgins topped with a superb touchline conversion.
There could have been more tries, such was Casuals domination, but they took their foot off the gas for a period in the 2nd half.

League leaders Ashby meanwhile were losing at Oakham, so Casuals move into joint top, just behind on points difference

Casuals need to do the simple things well, and be merciless when they have the opportunity, as “points for” can be the deciding factor at the end of the season.

Boston won’t want to give Casuals any presents, so Casuals need to be on the top of their game if they want to go into the New Year top of the table. Played 2nd January after snow and ice caused a postponment