Ashfield 18 Casuals 22

Midlands 3 East North
Sat 10th April 2010

April 10th
Midlands 3 East North
Ashfield 18 Nottingham Casuals 22

Casuals managed to snatch a victory 5 minutes from the end of the game, in their last league game of the season.
Ashfield took an early lead with a penalty, which was followed up 15 minutes later with a converted try.

Casuals struck back with firstly a try from Gareth Austin on the right wing following a scrum. A simple move down the backs, and Ben Hallam coming in from full back, created an overlap for Austin to run in at the corner. Mark Higgins converted from the 5 metre line.
Casuals scored a second, when they exerted pressure on Ashfield, a move was stopped short of the line, a penalty was awarded, which in turn led to scrum, and Josh Tilford took play forward from No 8.
From the resultant maul Higgins sent out a long looping pass to Ben Wilkinson who crossed in the left corner, giving Casuals a 10 – 12 half time lead.
Casuals should have pressed on in the second half, but Ashfields’ determination brought right back into the fray.
They potted a penalty, to regain the lead, but Higgins slotted a goal in response. Seesaw stuff.
Casuals contrived to lose their own put in and Ashfield went over for another try.
With spirits dampened, and time fast running out, Casuals managed to retain the ball to make significant progress upfield, and it was again a passing movement down the 3/4s that gave Wilkinson the room to get over the line, Higgins again converting to give Casuals a much needed 2 league points.
They are now sweating on next weeks clash between Southwell and Ashby to see who takes 2nd spot, and promotion to Division 2.

Unfortunately Ashby overwhelmed Southwell 69 - 5 to take second spot, and gain promotion on points difference