Bishop’s rugby team entertained Ashton-on-Mersey in a recent clash, their opponents travelling from Cheshire for Bishop’s final pre-season game.
In the opening exchanges Ashton were quicker to the breakdown and stronger in the contact area and scored their first try in the opening ten minutes. A number of penalties, one which Ashton missed and another which they scored to take the score to 10 – 0 at half time.
Bishop looked livelier in the second half but once again Bishop could not find that killer ball to create a score.
In the last quarter Bishop looked the more likely to score and from a penalty chose to take a lineout. M. Ruddick, always willing to carry the ball, very nearly drove over with great support play from his fellow pack.
Again it was pleasing to note that despite not scoring Bishop finished the game the stronger team and their fitness will play a crucial role in the season ahead.
If Bishop can get themselves more focused at the start of the game this will give them a strong platform going forward.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
