It was brutal at times, but top half of the table clashes are always like that when Wigan St Jude’s travelled to Cumbrians Askam on Saturday, but alas Jude’s came away with nothing for their heroic efforts losing 12-4. In a game were defences we’re on top tries we’re hard to come by Jude’s pack were brutal at times with Danny Fallon, Danny Clayton and Dave Fagan all hitting over 30 tackles and Oly Oladele, Leon Harber, Dec Parkinson, Paul Pendlebury, Tom Owen, Daz Ball and Luke Barrett carting the Ball Forward with a presence. Gary McMahon was impressive with the boot throughout the first half always keeping Askam on their toes. Jude’s were unlucky on two occasions late in the first half when Leon Harber followed by Luke Barrett were both held up over the Askam’s try line. St Jude’s with a huge appetite for possession in attack we’re so unlucky not to score when Gary McMahons precise and devious kicking just failed in the 39 min when a cruel ricochet bounced up to the Askam’s centre who raced away, Judes Great scrambling defence caught him but a quick play the ball saw them go in by the posts for the opening score right on the stroke of half time. The second half began with a controversial incident as Gavin Roddens weaving run to centre field were he found Tom Owen with a hit and spin pass for Tom to score but the Touch judge ruled a Forward pass. Jude’s had the momentum and mins later a swift attack on the left saw centre Connor Parkinson score wide out and at 6-4 to the hosts Jude’s were still in this Tough game. St Jude’s were invigorated but it was Askam who struck back on the hour with a try to go 12-4 up. Cruel injuries late on made Jude’s reshuffle the side but take nothing away from Jude’s the desire was still there throughout but once again the away win eluded St Jude’s.
NCL Man of the Match…Leon Harber…Took the ball up with power and pace. Top Meters….Dec Parkinson…..125…Great performance. Top Tackler….Danny Fallon…35…another solid game.
