Panthers 18 - 39 Ashby

Ashby made the trip up north for the Panthers' midlands 3 league fixture. With both teams at the lower end of the league table, a close and hopefully entertaining game of rugby was expected! Neither team disappointed, playing the game in the right spirit, looking to move the ball and play expansive rugby. It was Ashby who opened the scoring first, cutting a great line to score a converted try under the posts. This wasn't to deter the new look Panthers who stepped up, applying the pressure, running phase after phase. Leon Owen crashing through in his usual robust style to score and Dan Wilson slotting the conversion. At this stage the game evened out, both teams trying to unlock the opposition's defense. Ashby was looking the most likely to make the breakthrough but it was the Panthers who struck first with several line breaks. Ashby had to scramble back and concede a penalty with Dan Wilson claiming the three points. Ashby reacted to this applying pressure direct from the restart, keeping up the intensity, claiming two tries before half time.

Half time Panthers 10 - 18 Ashby

The second half was to ebb and flow for the first 15 mins until the breakthrough, and the lead looked certain to be coming back to the home side. Reece Newton burst through from his own 22 and made the decision to go for posts rather than the corner. This allowed the Ashby winger to get across, making a last-ditch try-saving tackle and eventually clear their lines from under the posts again - just like the first half. Ashby found another gear, scoring two tries in quick succession. Dan Wilson then slotted another penalty for the home team, keeping the outcome of the game in the balance, but it was Ashby who hit next, scoring a converted try. This put the game out of reach for the Panthers, but in true Panthers style and in the spirit of the club's new attitude and structure, the boys battled on, creating an excellent try for man of the match Jake Blair to score in the corner.

Full time Panthers 18 - 39 Ashby

A great game of rugby with Ashby running out deserved winners in an entertaining game

Yet again another massive step in the right direction for the Panthers in this transitional part of the season, captain Lee Laughton saying he couldn't have been more proud of his men.
Man of the match goes to Jake Blair for not only getting a try and putting in a solid defensive display, but for claiming restarts and gaining countless yards when our backs were to the wall.

1 - Lee Whitmore - the Yoda of rugby
2 - Tom Marriott - great to have the infectious bundle of energy playing again
3 - Lee Laughton - solid display from the captain
4 - Pat Holleworth - great line-out work and open play from the second row
5 - Rich Keeling - never a back step from Mr dependable
6 - Shaun Hadfield - small man, massive heart, punches well above his size
7 - Liam Chappell - solid back row display
8 - Alex Hughes - showed all his experience in attack and defense - a leader on the pitch
9 - Jordan Grayson - caused problems for the opposition all game - contender for mom
10 - Dan Wilson - masterclass in kicking today
11 - Reece Newton - beast, unlucky not to score
12 - Leon Owen - the new Scott Gibbs
13 - Chris Cooper - solid in attack and defense
14 - Jake Blair - mom
15 - Adam Pedley - bosses the back three natural leader
16 - Paul Giller - front row/second row/back row - Mr versatile, great line breaks
17 - Sam Martin - solid performance from the continuously improving younger
18 - Ryan Lane - came on to nothing but post match praise from his fellow front row, well done Ry.