Fixture

Ashton - u - Lyne (24) - Flint RFC (29).

Flint Travelled to greater Manchester to taken on Ashton, which is becoming an annual fixture in the pre season calendar. With a number of players not available through holidays and work, this was an ideal opportunity for the coaching staff to play a mix of players from across both 1st team as well as the Castlemen side.

The game was played in 4 quarters to allow player and positional rotation, the coaching team placing emphasis on the 1st & 4th quarters to run out more a established looking side.

Both sides looked a bit ring rusty after the summer break with the first half seeing Flint give away a number of penalties, giving the home side opportunity to attack. Eventually the pressure told and Flint conceed. Although a bit rusty in defence the flowing attack soon clicked. Flints pace out wide disrupted the Ashton defence all day. Left wing Damian Goss created space and beat 2 defenders to crash over. Successful conversion (Q1 won 7-5)

Quarter 2 & 3 saw the coaching staff on both sides giving players the opportunity to fight for a 1st team start in a few weeks. Both quarters where extremely tight affairs, although Ashton exploited some weak defence in Q2 scoring two tries. Flint attack was hitting it's straps with a great team try with Sam Richmond going over in the far corner (lost Q2 12-5). With number of new combinations Q3 was a tense affair with some Anglo-Welsh passion  evident!. Although going down 2 tries to one Stand Off Jimmy Williams scored a try linking well with the pack to create space. (Draw Q3 7-7 )

Some critical reflection by the squad and coaching staff refocused the mind. The clear message for a positive end was vital in preparation for the season ahead and Quarter 4 saw a strong Flint side take to the field. Ashton also started with their strongest side. Flint were a lot sharper in defence, frustrating and  limiting Ashton in attack resulting in the Ashton  hooker seeing the sin bin. With the  advantage and stronger mental attitude to go for the win Flint turned the screw. With space to exploit, Flint wing James 'Bez' Beresford  flew over in the corner and successfully converting his  own try. As pressure built, Ashton gave away a penalty under the sticks. Desciding to take the points, Bez successful took his haul to 10 points in the quarter. In the last few minutes tempers flared again though Flint refocused to take win.. (Q4  - won 10- 0)

With some positive performances all round today, this was a real tough test for the squad . Special mention goes to the back row and skipper Lawrence 'loz' Rogers, who drove the side forward all afternoon. Similarly in the  backline, centre Kieran Jones put the side on the front foot in the mid field. The game was a great way to begin the the pre season with lots of positives and knowledge gained of areas to develop.

Flint are always looking for new players to join the journey to promotion 🏉👍