Panthers 5 – 53 Ashbourne

A tale of two halves for Panthers, but in the end like England before them, they were beaten by a better team.
Ashbourne started well with early pressure, but great defence by Panthers kept them at bay. A good kick by Ashbourne behind the Panthers defence, resulted in a try that was ruled out for a double movement on the line. But two minutes later a couple of missed tackles and some good support play, resulted in an Ashbourne try. The conversion was missed.
Ashbourne on the attack again but a great tackle by Dylon More prevented another try. This only delayed Ashbourne’s second try, when again missed tackles and good support resulted in a try under the post, which was duly converted.
A Panthers scrum resulted in a good break by Connor and some territory for Panthers. A series of rucks and counter rucks ensued and a Panthers scrum. A good scrum by Panthers and the try line beckoned, but a knock-on dashed those hopes. From the scrum, Panthers regained the ball, great driving and recycling of the ball by the forwards and Leo was there to dive other for a well earned try. The conversion was missed, 12-5 and this was the half time score.
The scrum and line outs were working well, the rucking and counter rucking were excellent, backs were linking well, so apart from a few missed tackles all looked positive.

All the good work in the first half was quickly forgotten with Ashbourne scoring two quick tries. The pattern of the second half went; missed tackles by Panthers, some last ditch tackles by the wingers and the full back, but good support work by Ashbourne and more tries.

On a lighter note, the lads looked splendid in their new kit, it’ll take a lot of Persil (note: other washing powders are also available) to get those shirts looking so good again.