PUBLISHED 23 January 2020
Superb result - AKS 38-5 Ashton College
As the mist descended on the AKS pitch, the 1st team shone as they put together the performance of the season so far in the Semi Final of the Lancashire Vase against Ashton College.
From the early exchanges AKS looked powerful with Jerome, Harrison, Ali and Toby P dominating the contact up from. This gave way for Toby M to score a fine individual try as he dummied the fullback and cruised under the post. Converted by James.
In attach AKS played an expansive game with Oliver, Owen and Roan causing problems out wide. This allowed Matthew to scramble over the Ashton line from 5 meters out. The AKS defence dominate the game with Ben C and Chris denying Ashon and go forward in the centre and the AKS line speed allowed, Ben F and Tristan to turn ball over. As the 1st half came to a close the ever present Frank showed his magic, as he hit a line on the opposing 10 meter line and turned the fullback inside out before galloping over the line.
In the second half AKS made a number of changes with Lytham, Harry and Louis showing their presence from the start. This allowed Morgans to push ball wide bringing the fleet footed Brandon in the the game, causing the defence issues. Despite the pressure AKS could not turn the pressure in to points as the Ashton pack worked well to defend their lines. Ashton started to get a hold in the game as it progressed, bringing their big number 8 in to the games crashing forward and with AKS defence all flat a chip over the top was recovered for Ashtons try. Ashton then adopted a kicking strategy to push AKS back in their own half. Chris at fullback coped well with this and released Tristan down the left wing which saw him finish his first of 3 tries.
A great all round performance from the squad with the match finishing 38-5.
After the game Mr Holmes said "I am very pleased for the squad, they have worked extremely hard this year. To be in any sort of final is just deserts for the dedication and tenacity shown throughout the season. This has been a transitional year, with up to nine U16's in the first team playing squad, these players are now coming of age and the hardship of earlier in the season are now seeing its benefit."
Well done also to Tristan, Toby M and Matthew on their representing Lancashire U16s in their win over Yorkshire on Sunday.