Max Ruddock Hails Ashton Bears’ Gritty Fightback at Ince Rose Bridge

Ashton Bears fullback Max Ruddock was beaming with pride after his side dug themselves out of a 12–6 half?time hole to claim a superb 25–16 away win at Ince Rose Bridge in the National Conference North West on Friday night. It's a result he believes can kick?start their season.

 

“We dug in deep, second half,” he said, after a night where he was repeatedly tested coming out of backfield. “We thought we’d come here as massive underdogs, to be honest. We’ve stepped up this season, I think they’ve stepped down, but it didn’t really show. We’ve matched them in every area.”

 

Ruddock had plenty of traffic thrown at him early, but he felt Ashton handled the physical challenge with brains as much as bravery. “They’re stronger than us, bigger than us… but we just kept rolling them, we played smarter, moved the ball when we needed to, carried when we needed to.”

 

The turning point came in the ugliest part of the game — a scrappy spell before half?time where neither side could complete a set. That’s where Ashton’s resolve shone through.

 

“I feel like our scramble defence was class on our line,” Ruddock said. “Getting up, meeting them, sliding with them… it just shows the willingness, the hunger in these players to get across. It’s about working for the person next to you.”

 

For a squad rebuilt over winter, the win meant more than just two points.

 

“We’ve lost a lot of experienced lads,” he admitted. “A lot of young ones have stepped up and they’ve not looked out of place once. In the Changing rooms — everyone’s buzzing. We’ve had a few losses this season, but you learn a lot from the losses. We’ve come here, enjoyed it… You can’t beat it.”

 

The second half showcased Ashton at their best: Ronny Broderick darting from dummy?half, the pack winning rucks, and a slick team try finished by captain Cal Cottington. “When you’re putting moves like that together, it shows you’re getting the confidence,” Ruddock said, before reflecting on how the team has found the season so far since stepping up from the old North west Men's League. "It's tough. There are some good teams in that league, but I think it's just about whoever turns up on day, to be honest with you."

 

Next up is a crucial clash with Leigh East — a side Ruddock has never faced at open age level.

 

“They’re down bottom with us, so it’s another massive game,” he said. “We need to take this win, this confidence into next week and hopefully get the result. We’re getting there — we keep building each week, we try and do better than last week. What more can you do?”

 

Results

National Conference Premier – Saturday 9 May 2026

Hunslet ARLFC 26–0 Wigan St Judes

 

Siddal 28–10 Lock Lane

 

Waterhead Warriors 36–16 Heworth

 

Wath Brow Hornets 42–0 Rochdale Mayfield

 

West Bowling 22–18 York Acorn

 

West Hull 20–18 Thatto Heath Crusaders

 

National Conference Division One – Saturday 9 May 2026

Stanningley 8–6 Dewsbury Moor

 

East Leeds 38–14 Shaw Cross Sharks

 

Egremont Rangers 32–30 Oldham St Annes

 

Kells 36–16 Dewsbury Celtic

 

Oulton Raiders 32–28 Pilkington Recs

 

Wigan St Patricks 30–28 Leigh Miners Rangers

 

National Conference – Cumbria – Saturday 9 May 2026

Barrow Island 80–16 Hindpool Tigers

 

Ellenborough Rangers 68–10 Ulverston

 

Distington 28–22 Hensingham

 

Millom 32–16 Maryport

 

Dalton 82–4 Seaton Rangers

 

National Conference – North West

Friday 8 May 2026

Ashton Bears 25–16 Ince Rose Bridge

 

Saturday 9 May 2026

Clock Face Miners 26–18 Leigh East

 

Blackbrook 6–2 Saddleworth Rangers

 

National Conference – Southern – Saturday 9 May 2026

Bristol All Golds 26–12 Brentwood Eels

 

North Herts Crusaders 42–36 Eastern Rhinos

 

Wests Warriors 24–22 Hammersmith Hills Hoists

 

Bedford Tigers 44–8 London Chargers

 

National Conference – Yorkshire A – Saturday 9 May 2026

Beverley 40–26 Drighlington

 

Bradford Dudley Hill 20–20 Keighley Albion

 

King Cross Park 36–12 Thornhill Trojans

 

Mirfield Spartans 40–6 Stanley Rangers

 

Moldgreen 20–10 Myton Warriors

 

National Conference – Yorkshire B – Saturday 9 May 2026

Featherstone Lions 36–8 Siddal Academy

 

Kippax Welfare 72–0 Hull Dockers

 

Newsome Panthers 46–6 Milford Marlins

 

Fryston Warriors 48–10 Normanton Knights

 

Skirlaugh 22–18 Bentley