A RAMPAGING hat-trick from centre Paul Ashridge helped St Ives Roosters set aside the disappointment of last week s defeat at Colchester. Roosters were first on the scoreboard when good passing from right to left found Ashridge, who darted through a gap t

A RAMPAGING hat-trick from centre Paul Ashridge helped St Ives Roosters set aside the disappointment of last week's defeat at Colchester.

Roosters were first on the scoreboard when good passing from right to left found Ashridge, who darted through a gap to score.

Repeated penalties put pressure on the Roosters in midfield, but soon the home side were advancing again and Ashridge was unlucky to have a second score ruled out for a forward pass in the build up.

Roosters allowed Thetford to go close but the home side gained relief with a good

clearance. The respite was short-lived as Titans centre Matt Roberts ran the ball out with disconcerting ease, and from the ensuing attack hooker Tom Palmer was able to equalise and tie the scores at the break.

With the wind gusting at times play became difficult for both sides and Roosters adapted quickly to their short game with good effect which showed when quick hands from right to left enabled winger Eddie Embley to score in the corner.

Ashridge's second came from a sweet move in midfield, and then on 60 minutes he broke from 30 metres to seal his hat-trick. Allen added the extras to establish a margin that now looked to be decisive.

To their credit Thetford hit back but determined defence by Roosters kept them at bay. St Ives advanced up field again and hooker Andrew Dean did not need a second invitation to dive over from dummy half with seven minutes remaining. Allen again converted.

Thetford rallied and were able to claim a somewhat fortunate try when Chris Trede's kick ricocheted around the defence and was re-gathered, but that was the last of the action that left Roosters coach Ian Hill a happier man than of late.

n Roosters will be sending a side to play a London League fixture at Southampton on Saturday.