Unfortunately not.

The bones of last years 2nds are still around but a combination of long term injuries in the 1st team, losing a couple to NCL teams (lads have now moved up as cover), some 2nd team retirements, some of the 18's taking a break, going to university, academy rugby etc etc means that we'd be a bit thin on the ground at the start of the season and felt that wasn't fair on the team but also to the other teams in the league. That's not to say we won't be looking to play a 2nd team during the season in some friendlies, plans are underway for that it's just that at this point it wasn't viable for the above reasons.

Result from todays game, Ashton Bears 'A' 24 Wigan Riversiders RLC 42

Good solid game played in good spirits, credit to both sides. If Ashton enter there second team in a league next season they will win more than they lose.

In their 2nd outing of the season Ashton Bears 'A' went down 42-24 against an organised and well drilled Wigan Riversiders side. Showing several changes including 4 debutants Ashton were always going to be up against it but showed great commitment in a game that was played in tremendous spirit by both sides throughout. Riversiders ran into a 24 - 4 lead at half time with some well executed plays before Ashton eventually began to find their feet and were perhaps unfortunate to have two further efforts disallowed. With the scoreboard ticking over the biggest cheer of the day went to a try by Dave Morton. Bursting onto a ball from near 40m out his Amos Robertsesque footwork left Ashton defenders in his wake as his mazy run resulted in a score under the sticks. Some good approach play by Ashton resulted in two quick tries in succession which brought the scoring to a close.
Overall an enjoyable game that was played in great spirit by both sides with the referee having very little to do. A good run out for both sides with some encouraging signs for both coaches as they look forward to a return fixture planned against Riversiders 2nds as part of the summer merit league. Ashton wish Riversiders RLC good luck in their upcoming summer regional games.

The return fixture is this coming Saturday. To be played at Wigan St Judes with a 2pm Kick Off.

Wigan Riversiders RLC 34 - 22 Ashton Bears 'A'.
This was always going to be a tough test for the Ashton 'A' side and so it proved as they went down 34-22 against a Riversiders side who ultimately had too much nouse for the inexperienced Bears. Scoring almost immediately from the kick off the Riversiders threatened to give Ashton a torrid afternoon but gradually Ashton worked their way back into the game with a well taken score turning some good defence into a scoring opportunity. The Riversiders hit back almost immediately to extend their lead and turn round at half time 20-4 to the good. The second half saw that score extended with Ashton again slow to get going. When they eventually did, a well executed score brought the score closer. The hot afternoon began to make it hard going for all of the players, not helped by a series of controvsersial decisions by the referee, sinbinning a player from both sides in quick sucession. Ashton went on to score two quick tries to bring the scores closer again. Right at the death the Riversiders stomed up the field and scored under the posts to finally put the game beyond Ashton reach.

Credit again to both sides for a hard fought and hard hitting game played in good spirits throughout, hopefully they can take encouragement from this as both look forward to their forthcoming summer league campaigns.

Credit to your guys who once again came back in the second half!

Good luck for your debut summer season from all at the Riversiders RLC.