Ashton shows signs of regaining ‘magic’ touch

Chris Ashton believes he is beginning to rediscover the magical touch that deserted him during a challenging spell that put his England place in jeopardy.
Chris AshtonChris Ashton
Chris Ashton

The Saracens wing scored the only try in Saturday’s 22-12 Premiership victory at Harlequins to sugar-coat another hungry performance.

Unable to secure selection for the British and Irish Lions and rested for England’s tour to Argentina, he was picked for the most recent elite player squad on reputation after losing his mojo last season. Following a summer of reflection, however, he is revitalised and ready to show the pretenders for his Test jersey – Marlon Yarde and Christian Wade – a clean pair of heals.

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“I was sitting at home watching the Lions and England tours and it was difficult viewing. That spurs you on that little bit more,” said Ashton.

“Last year did not go the way I wanted it to and I was ready to change things. I like to think I’m starting to do that.

“I may have got down last year but it’s rugby and I do it because I enjoy it. I had to get back to enjoying it and this season I am.

“I wanted to be involved in the summer but having a rest mentally was probably a good thing. It was time to sit at home and let other lads have a go. It gave England a good chance to look at some other lads. They played well and it was tough to watch, but I was glad to get the rest.”

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Gloucester ended their six-year wait for a victory at Kingston Park as they edged out Newcastle 
22-16 yesterday.

Rob Cook and Jonny May both scored for the travelling Cherry and Whites while fly-half Freddie Burns kicked four penalties as Gloucester came from 10-0 down to seal their second win of the campaign and their first in the north east since 2007.

The Falcons sped to an early lead thanks to Tom Catterick’s first-minute try and masterful kicking by Rory Clegg, but Gloucester hit back in the second half as Burns found his range to claim victory.

Leicester moved into the top three as they denied battling Exeter in the second half at Sandy Park.

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The home side found themselves with a mountain to climb after tries from scrum-half Ben Youngs and centre Niki Goneva plus a penalty and conversion from fly-half Toby Flood put Leicester 15-0 up at the break.

Home fly-half Gareth Steenson landed three penalties after the break to reduce the arrears to just six points but Flood left the Chiefs without even a losing bonus point for their efforts as he booted two more penalties to seal a 21-9 win.