Jonno Douglas was the toast of Myton with his late heroics settling a close encounter in the Cross Conference Shield Final.
With both Ashton Bears and Myton Warriors coming into the Final on the back of knife-edge semi-finals, the scene was set at Odsal Stadium for a close encounter, and this game didn't disappoint!
Chances were at a premium in the first twenty minutes despite Myton being more proactive with ball in hand. Ashton set a platform early on with Jordan Green and particularly Lewis Goulding eager for work while veteran Tom Hopkins linked play well with eager centres Matthew Ward and Connor Ashley. Myton had their moments too with Douglas, Lennon Bursell and Jay Dawson getting through a heap of work while Liam Ward was a menace at dummy half and halfback Kye Armstrong took on the line. The Hull side had a try wiped off.
It was Myton that finally opened the scoring after 22 minutes when centre Alfie Wall outstripped two defenders on a scrum play from sixty metres after fullback Tyler Eccles cleverly drew two defenders to him. Tyler Fisher couldn't goal but it was 0-4. The Bears hit back quickly when Hopkins moved the defence before Joe Bradburn burst through the middle to go in at the side of the posts. Harry Ireland goaled, and Ashton enjoyed their best spell before half-time. With virtually the final play of the half, Myton were caught offside, and Ireland converted the penalty to hand Ashton an 8-4 advantage.
Myton made a lively start to the second half, with a Ward break causing problems for Ashton, and the Warriors worked hard to build a position where Ward was able to send Douglas over for his first try by the posts after 53 minutes. Fisher goaled and Myton led 8-10. Again, Ashton's response came quickly as neat hands released Ashley on the right to nudge the Bears in front. Myton levelled with a Fisher penalty after 68 minutes and frantic final minutes ensued with both sides making chances and defences stepping up to the mark.
Ashley saw a second score disallowed for double movement, while another overlap saw Max Ruddock unable to take the pass. At the other end Myton went close and pinned Ashton back. A late penalty gave Myton more field position and they moved into drop-goal range only for Alfie Wall to get a low attempt away. Unfortunately for Ashton fullback Logan Ormshaw, the ball took a bounce as he went to play it and ended up coming off him for a drop-out. Cue Jonno Douglas, who charged onto a pass and picked his way past two defenders before powering clear of another and spinning over the line to ground for a stunning try from 35 metres. Fisher added the extras and Myton lifted the inaugural Cross Conference Shield following an absorbing contest.
Ashton Bears: Logan Ormshaw, Max Ruddock, Matthew Ward, Connor Ashley, Dan Hill; George Green, Tom Hopkins; Joe Bradburn, Harry Ireland, Jordan Green, Ronny Broderick, Aiden Hampson, Lewis Goulding. Subs: Chris Cartledge, Kian Tudor, Scott Vievers, Niall Spruce.
Tries: Bradburn (28), Ashley (59).
Goals: Ireland 2/3.
Myton Warriors: Tyler Eccles, Callum Clarke, Tyler Fisher, Alfie Wall, Mason Montana; Zach McGowan, Kye Armstrong; Bradlee Radford, Liam Ward, Jonno Douglas, Logan Radford, Jay Dawson, Lennon Bursell. Subs: Ellis Wray, Fin Foggin, Fin Wilson, Matty Thomas.
Tries: Wall (22), Douglas 2 (53, 80).
Goals: Fisher 3/4.
Ashton Bears 12 Myton Warriors 18
By Dave Parkinson
Pic Credit: 13 Pro-Am Community RL
