PENDLE’S unbeaten start to the season came to an end at home to Ashton on Saturday.
It was always going to be difficult with the loss of inspirational prop Ricardo Ferndizi to a back injury.
Ashton’s strong pack soon put paid to Pendle’s hopes for a fast start to the game, their dominance in the scrum immediately putting Pendle on the back foot.
Although Ashton kept Pendle in their own half for the first 10 minutes, Phoenix had the better of the ball during open play, and strong running from Shawn Moss, Nick Martin and Rob Lawless helped counter the Ashton scrum.
It wasn’t long before Jonny Harper, Danny Owen and Daniel Rowland cut through Ashton’s defence, but on each occasion the breaks came to nothing.
Excellent covering defence from Ashton and sloppy passing from Pendle meant neither side were able to end the stalemate on the scoreboard.
A break from James Redford allowed Pendle to camp down in Ashton’s 22 and the relentless pressure showed as Ashton gave a penalty away when Tarquinn Hempstead was on the receiving end of a high tackle.
James Finucane decided it was time to put points on the board and asked James Redford to take a shot at goal. Redford stepped up and kicked the penalty, allowing Pendle to take the lead 3-0.
Pendle continued to control the ball and spent the rest of the half in Ashton territory.
However with only minutes to half-time Pendle were caught napping - the Ashton centre shot straight through the defence and ran 60 metres to score. Ashton added the extras and left Pendle trailing 7-3.
At half-time James Finucane and Jonny Harper asked the team to continue as they had in the first half but to be more ruthless in the finishing department.
Dave King replaced Stu Riley in the front row and it was felt immediately as Pendle held their own in the scrum.
Pendle were now in full control and increased the pressure up front to ensure their presence was felt in the Ashton half.
Luke McNamee and Carl Wiseman were now getting more ball from the lineout, throwing wide and allowing Dave Morris to cut right through the Ashton back line.
Held up just short of the line, Jay Ashger picked up and drove deep into the heart of the Ashton defence.
Pendle hit back and Redford’s quick thinking saw him throw a dummy and sneak in for a well-worked try. Redford dusted himself off and kicked the extras, steering Pendle three points clear at 10-7.
Phoenix now felt they could add to the score in the final ten minutes but with their backs against the wall, Ashton utilised their big running forwards once again.
Pendle were working hard in defence and were surprised when the referee awarded a penalty for hands in the ruck.
Ashton didn’t ask any questions and took a shot at goal - the ball sailed over and the scores were level.
With only minutes to go Ashton’s confidence was high but excellent defence from Carl Wiseman, Daniel Edmondson and Luke McNamee kept them close to the halfway line.
With the game petering out it looked like both teams would have to settle for a draw.
However, another contentious decision from the official resulted in Ashton being awarded a penalty 40 metres out.
Ashton pointed at the post and as the referee stated it was the last play of the game it was all or nothing for Ashton.
The kicker stepped up and nailed an impressive kick allowing the visitors to pinch the win 13-10.
The man of the match was awarded to Redford for his excellent kicking and calmness underpressure.
FINAL SCORE: Pendle Phoenix 10, Ashton under Lyne 13
• Pendle Phoenix are re-opening their mini-colts section on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sessions will be free and food will be available at a small price.