Chesterfield Panthers 20 v 24 Ashfield

On a miserable Saturday afternoon, coach Mark Blair asked his players to give him something to enjoy his beer with after the game and the players really delivered.

The Panthers kicked first, battling into the wind and rain. Ashfield quickly began racking up the penalties, and the Panthers gained ground and momentum, before getting pinged for crossing. Ashfield kicked to touch but failed to throw in straight.
Ashfield showed some early dominance in the scrum before giving away another penalty, Jordan Grayson taking the quick tap, forcing an early tackle from Ashfield. The Panthers kicked to touch, one of the better line outs of the day delivered a catch and drive forcing another Ashfield penalty, this time opting for the kick at goal, Adam Pedley scoring.
3-0

Ashfield responded quickly and found space.
3-7

Just 15 minutes in Lee Whitmore’s achilles heel could take no more and he was substituted for Tom Arnold, pushing Jack Short to the hooker role.
For the next 10 minutes Captain Lee Laughton delivered some really powerful runs, putting many of the Ashfield defence to one side. However it was Leon Owen who stole the limelight with an intercepted pass and 60m run!
Adam Pedley converting.
10-07

Just 5 minutes later, following another high tackle on the scrum half, Jordan Grayson took the quick tap, followed by crash balls from Leon and Lee L, Tom Arnold scooped up the ball and showed some fancy footwork to step his way toward the corner.
Adam Pedley converting the difficult angle.
17-07

Unfortunately this great demonstration of forward momentum rugby was unhinged after a penalty try was given away due to hands in the ruck.
17-14.

Positives were exchanged in the half time talk, and with the wind and rain on their backs instead of faces, the Panthers came out confident. Ben Bunting on for Sam Martin, Jordan Passarelli moving to the wing.

Ashfield really tested the home sides defence but their were no chinks in armour, the Panthers keeping them out, right on the line. Ashfield eventually blew this opportunity after coming in at the side. Adam Pedley delivered a quality 40m kick to touch.

After a series of yet more penalties, Ben Bunting got a good run in, until Ashfield turned the ball over and got the overlap against the home side.
17-21

Tom Arnold had to leave the field with a leg injury, allowing new Panther Ross Bowskill a run out against his former club.

Ashfield were caught yet again with their hands in the ruck and Pedders slotted another, to put us within touching distance of the win.
20-21

Unfortunately it was not to be our day, Panthers gave away another penalty.
20-24.

This score didn’t change the course though. The game was still winnable by just one try. The Panthers headed back up the field and really emptied their fuel tanks into Ashfield’s 22m area. Forcing not one but three penalties in a matter of seconds in the opposition’s 10m. Jordan Grayson opting for his quick tap, Ashfield had yet again failed to retreat to their try line, but when the ball was lost forward the scrum was called. Ashfield won the scrum and kicked it out to close out play at 4:22pm?
20-24

Overall, an enjoyable game of end to end physical rugby, the set pieces weren’t as good as they could be and with the miserable weather conditions the backs didn’t get used to their full potential. Ashfield are always a physical side but the Panthers weren’t fazed once and matched them pound for pound in the breakdown.

1. Lee Laughton (C) - Really strong, going forward with ball in hand, great levels of aggression.
2. Lee Whitmore - Unlucky to be subbed off early, his rugby brain could’ve made the difference today, but it’s vital that he rests and repairs that foot.
3. Jason Rushton - Stood up to the physicality of the game, took over the throwing duties in Lee Whitmore’s absence.
4. Jamie Barnett - Seemed to embrace the face to face style of the game, never seemed fazed.
5. Patrick Holleworth - Worked hard in the air but with the weather conditions was very unlucky.
6. Jack Short - Great work rate as always, especially at the breakdown.
7. Joe Heath - Same as Jack, great work rate and hits a lot harder than many think.
8. Leon Owen - Forward Of The Match two weeks running, breaks through opposition with ease.
9. Jordan Grayson - The master of the quick taps and controls the game very well.
10. Adam Pedley - 100% kicking this week, earning Back Of The Match, in spite of the horrid weather.
11. Sam Martin - Was disappointed to come off, didn’t get much ball in hand.
12. Scott Widdowson - Delivered some textbook tackles
13. Jordan Passarelli - Smothered the defence at every opportunity.
14. Steven Hatt - Had a few bursts of speed but didn’t get much ball in hand.
15. Glenn Grayson - A couple of great runs and steps through the opposition defence line.

16. Ryan Hanes - Sub not used.
17. Richard Keeling - Sub not used.
18. Ross Bowskill - Came on against his former teammates but
19. Tom Arnold - Played his usually smash and bang style.
20. Ben Bunting - Great pace from the Testosterone Junkie.