For the first pre-season friendly the Black Reds took a nostalgic trip down the M6 to Tarleton. The West Lancs club missed out last season on a bump up to the new Level 6 regional leagues but judging from this performance against Aspatria appear well on course to move forward in the coming season.

Due to holiday and work commitments the Black Reds left behind close to 10 players who will expect to be in contention for a 1st XV berth but were still able to welcome on the bus a competitive squad of 22 players for the journey south. Everyone was given game time as the on-field personnel of both teams was regularly changed.

Despite the heat the game was played at a ferocious pace and it appeared to the neutral observer that both squads have taken pre-season fitness seriously.

The balance of the game shifted several times during the full 80 minutes. Tarleton were quickly out of the starting blocks and registered two early tries. It took a good10 minutes for Aspatria to settle down but from that point they played a fluid brand of rugby. The exciting young back division which grew in stature last season clicked into gear and by the 15th minute Aspatria had responded with two fine scores.

On the stroke of half time the backs again combined to end the half with a 3 try to 2 advantage.

The second period had another 5 tries but this time the 3:2 advantage went Tarleton’s way. The deciding factor came down to Aspatria losing good field position and allowing an under pressure Tarleton to break away for two of the scores.

So the game ended 5 tries each but due to a penalty goal taken by Tarleton earlier in the game they shaded the score board 32:31.

Considering that this was the first hit out and the searing heat both sets of coaches must have been pleased with what they saw. Certainly for Aspatria the game was a big success with the welcome return of several senior players to bolster the squad for the challenges that undoubtable lie ahead.

Ps. Big thanks to those at the Tarleton club who made us very welcome and not forgetting the Lancaster Bomber fly past that apparently was not entirely accidental. I don't think we can top that........