AS well as being cold and wet, the Bakewell outfit were also disappointed with this result on Saturday.

They began with a strong wind on their backs, playing into the dry half of the pitch, with the back row of Webster, Fearn and Tom Moroney quick to the breakdowns, and providing a stream of possession.

After five minutes, having gained a penalty on five metres, they went ahead as Moroney took the quick tap, and crossed for the try, which Middlemiss converted.

Although lineouts were a lottery, Bakewell soon produced the best move of the game as the threes spun the ball wide and Asquith put Ward into space.

With Ashbourne unable to lay a hand on him he was clear through for the try, but failed to ground the ball in the slippery conditions.

Aquaplaning was becoming a common feature of this game, but Mannerians persisted in playing quality rugby.

They won a ruck on Ashbourne's line, but saw Ward's nightmare continue as the ball slipped from his grasp with the line at his mercy.

Ashbourne, having been under the cosh for 30 minutes, now produced a sweeping three-quarter move for their winger to cross wide out and then touch down under the posts.

This rugby version of water polo continued and the sodden spectators watched in disbelief as the visitors twice had players clean through, only to drop the ball with the try line beckoning.

Having dominated the first half, Bakewell were now feeling lucky to be on level terms at half time as they turned to face the elements.

The conditions had conspired against both teams, but Ashbourne now suffered again as they were reduced to 14 men with the loss of their young scrum half through injury.

The remainder of the match was played out largely in the Ashbourne half, but resolute defence kept their line intact.

Then, as Ashbourne cleared from defence, Burton took the quick throw in and Mannerians spun the ball the width of the pitch.

By now, Tom Oldfield on the left wing was in the early stages of hypothermia, but by some miracle the ball reached him, and he produced a burst of pace to clear the defence and cross wide out for Bakewell to lead at 12-7.

As Bakewell pressed through midfield in the dying moments Bagshawe's kick ahead was charged down, and with the ball squirting around, Ashbourne hacked on.

Mannerians' desperate defence had to concede a penalty on five metres and quick reactions brought Ashbourne the try.

The conversion attempt was the last kick of the game.

Had Ashbourne won, few could have argued given the character they had shown.

But the conditions had the last say, and the kick was sliced well wide.

Team: Dabell, Templeman, Bentley, Wilde, Hopkinson, Fearn, Moroney T., Webster, Bagshawe E., Middlemiss, Oldfield T., Asquith, Ward, Crowder, Burton.

Subs: Roper ( Dabell 50 ), Ellis ( Crowder 40 )

Scorers. Tries: Moroney T, Oldfield T. Conv: Middlemiss.