ASHTON-ON-MERSEY 1st XV—3 PTS., WIRRAL 1st XV—18 PTS.
A very young Wirral side, having an average age of 22, visited Ashton-on-Mersey on Saturday and recorded a fine victory by two goals, one penalty and one drop goal, to one penalty .
During the first quarter, the home side applied a lot of pressure on the Wirral line,, but with some good tackling and covering—and the fact that good possession was denied them in the set pieces with Van der Zwann outstanding for Wirral in the lineouts, along with some good front row play by hooker Haslett—Wirral were able to contain these initial concerted attacks.
With the ball in their hands, the Wirral three-quarters always looked dangerous and capable of breaking through the home side's defence, with the half-back pairing of Wain-wright and Fletcher providing a sound springboard.
Eventually, the try which always looked possible was scored. Centre Hosker evaded his opposite number to send Robinson sprinting along the left flank and he in turn drew the opposing full-back before passing to winger Bailey, who outstripped the remaining defence to run in a simple but well executed try, which full-back Dobbing duly converted. Ashton's only reply during the first-half was a penalty.
For most of the second-half Wirral kept the home side retreating into their own half of the field, with the help of a strong wind at their backs along with some excellent line-kicking by Wainwright and Fletcher.
During this period Wirral added to their score through a drop goal by Wainwright, following a free kick and a penalty by Dobbin g.
Wirral's second try of the match was somewhat of a solo effort with Robinson picking up a loose ball on the halfway line, sprinting through a gap in the centre of the field and then jinking and eluding four men before touching down between the posts. Again, Dobbing converted.
Although in the last quarter side's forwards came came back strongly, Wirral responded well under the new leader¬ship of veteran Darch and thus became another well-deserved victory, following their midweek defeat of Old Anselmians.