Aspatria dropped back into North Two West relegation trouble after a 29-7 hom e defeat by Manchester.

The most disappointing aspect for them, however, was the feeling that they hadn’t fired any shots against a strong and well-drilled Manchester side.

Hopes of a strong start were quashed when, in their second carry, the ball was stripped allowing the Manchester flanker to score beside the sticks with barely 44 seconds on the clock.

The conversion was successful.

A penalty extended the lead to 10-0 and Aspatria were struggling to contain the much larger Manchester pack.

They weren’t helped when Jack Clegg was sin-binned following a succession of penalties conceded by the Black Reds team.

The inevitable pressure told and the Manchester pack rumbled over for a converted score.

With Clegg returning, Aspatria had their best spell of the half and enjoyed a period of concerted pressure without being able to breach the Manchester defence.

The large away pack took control of possession again and they rumbled over for another converted score and led 24-0 at the break.

Aspatria won the second-half 7-5 with the wind in their favour but the comeback never threatened the away side.

The Black Reds had come flying out of the blocks though.

On regaining possession, the home side went through multiple phases to stretch Manchester eventually allowing stand in winger, Jason Ward the opportunity to jink over out wide for a converted score.

The remainder of the half would see Aspatria try their best to get back in the game. Penalties were ran, almost from anywhere with varying degrees of success.

The home side probably had more of the possession and territory in the second half but Manchester were well organised in soaking this up and scored one try of their own in the corner following a kick through.