Dronfield Stags maintain their winning run against Ashbourne

After the recent frequent rainfall, the pitch at the Recreation Ground Ashbourne was expected to be very heavy and therefore more conducive to a forward’s game

Dronfield Stags struck first after six minutes with Freddie Richardson powering over for the opening try calmly converted by Luke Nicholson to give Dronfield a 0-7 lead. Ashbourne however responded almost immediately crossing the try-line after the Stags had failed to deal with the restart. A successful conversion levelled the scores to 7-7. Dronfield regained control as the first half progressed with Charlie Richardson scoring and a late Luke Nucholson penalty meant that the visitors led 5-15 at the break

Ashbourne began the second half in a more determined manner and closed the gap with a well worked try – it was now 12-15. Dronfield responded after putting Ashbourne under sustained pressure Jacob Blanksby the try scorer this time. The Stags now led 12-20. In a game that ebbed and flowed it was the home side who scored next and a successful conversion meant a tense finish to the game was anticipated – 19-20. Dronfield to their credit showed real composure and Jacob Blansby scored his second try with about ten minutes remaining. When Jack Crawley with a powerful finish increased the Stags lead to 19-30

Ashbourne refused to give up and were rewarded with a late try to close the gap to one score. Despite late pressure the Dronfield Stags defence held firm to see them gain an exciting 26-30 victory

This had been a high tempo game full of attacking intent from both sides with Dronfield Stags just doing enough to claim the spoils They will hope to keep their running win sequence continuing when they travel down to Derby next weekend to take on Rolls Royce 1st XV