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Senior Colts Match Reports 2009-10

August 22nd (Saturday) Senior Colts vs Combined 2nd/3rd XV (Training) Won 41-7
As the 1st XV had travelled to Sale for their final warm up game of the year, the Senior Colts challenged the remainder of the club (RoC) to a warm up game ahead of the season start next weekend. With holiday absences and some lads being mysteriously unavailable at the last minute, the Colts were only able to field a scratch 15 players. Uncontested scrums were the only change from normal rules (necessary for legal and safety reasons).

The Colts kicked off and were gratified immediately as the RoC fumbled the restart and knocked on. A fast flowing move followed and it looked inevitable that there would be an immediate score, but the last pass didn't go to hand and the opportunty was lost. However, the Colts continued to press their positional advantage and after several phases of play scrum half Houghton ducked through a tackle and went in close to the posts, but the try was not improved upon. The RoC team pushed to get themselves back onto an even footing, but too often they were turned over in contact by the tenacious Colts back row. Underhill's out of hand kicking kept RoC pinned back in their half. It was not long before a Williams took a pass and ran a great angle to open up the RoC defence and to double the Colts score. Again the kick was missed. RoC were blessed with plenty of reserves as they also had a couple of ex-Northwich guest players and for a time 3 of the 4 "Jones brothers" were seen on the field at the same time. Youngest brother Rhys was heard to comment that he didn't mind who won as he had brothers on both sides with Mike playing for the Colts and Phillip (Bristol University) and Chris (Winnington Park) playing for the RoC.

A period of confusion lead to the RoC's only score, the Colts were peanalised and then marched back 10, presumably for dissent. However, the RoC tapped and ran from the original mark as the Colts were retreating, the Colts not wanting to commit a further offense of being "not 10" let the runner go, until they realised that the ref was not about to call him back, by then the defence was fractured and Joel Baker went under the sticks.

Stung by this injustice, the Colts stepped up a gear and started to really move the ball around, a passage of play ensued that saw the ball go through many sets of hands until Underhill finished it off under the sticks and the converting the resultant try. 17 - 7 to the Colts at the half. With no subs to bring on it was a short talk at half time by coach Phil Clarke before the lads turned around and prepared for the second half. The RoC seemed to have players arriving all the time and a constant stream of changes was being made. The second half went pretty much the way of the first half, with the RoC competing well in the tight, but having little answer to the Colts pace out wide. Winger Redfern was finally accorded some space on the wing and ran in the first score of the second half. A flowing backs move saw Lamb find the gap and score the second.

Redfern again out paced the defence for the third, but the cover caught him on the line and although the score was good, the weight of defence on his back lead him to having to sit out the last few mins of the game. The Colts wrapped up the afternoon with a solo run by Gareth Shaw who demonstrated his pace and balance as he wove through tackles and trotted under the sticks. 41- 7 to the Colts was the final score. The lack of contested scrummages probably worked in the colts favour, but even so it was a fairly impressive display from a scratch side, certainly the training and fitness work done over the summer paid dividends.

Next week, the Colts host the first Northwich RUFC Senior Colts 10's tournament, at the Northwich Festival.

More pictures of this event are available here

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/sredir?uname=Northwichrufc&target=ALBUM&id=5373098508335040337&authkey=Gv1sRgCLWNoIH6ydmXIg&feat=email

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September 6th Senior Colts vs Crewe & Nantwich Won 15-8
Northwich started their league campaign with a visit to Vagrants Park to play old rivals Crewe & Nantwich.. Over the years games between these two teams has always provided tight contests and exciting rugby and despite Northwich missing several first choice players, there was nothing to indicate that today would be any different.

Northwich started up the slope and in the early exchanges C&N pinned them back into their own 22. Northwich had to defend for a good 5 minutes before they were able to work clear. However, C&N were not going to give ground easily and continued to press until they were awarded a penalty and went 3 – 0 up.

Northwich responded by mounting several periods of pressure but each one broke down before a score could be made. Finally Northwich managed to exert a sustained period of pressure and when the defence bought the dummy thrown by scrum half Houghton there was only one winner as he darted for the line. The defence did catch him but could not stop the arm reaching out and dotting the ball onto the try line.

Lamb was not able to add the extras.

C&N were not going to let this tie slip away from them easily and pushed Northwich back down the slope to continue to maintain the pressure. The contact area was fiercely contested and both sides took injuries and made substitutions. C&N had another penalty shot, but pushed it wide before Northwich fielded a kick ahead and put it through hands to Redfern at outside centre. He then proceeded to carve open the C&N defence as he set off on a solo run from halfway to beat several tacklers and dot down the try. Again the conversion was unsuccessful.

10 – 3 at half time

Northwich were now working down the slope and kept trying to exploit the advantage but regularly seemed to fall foul of the referee at the ensuing breakdown. It was deep into the second half before Nortwich were able to score their third try. Captain Phil Williams electing to tap and run a penalty from close range. The ball was worked out to Holt on the wing who raced into score. Hart’s conversion attempt bounced off the cross bar the wrong way. At 15 – 3 up the game was looking safe but there was no way that C&N were going to give up and finally were rewarded with a try wide out on the right., the conversion attempt was pulled across the face of the posts. There was just time for the restart and one last attempt to add to the score, but the ball found touch and the game was over. So honours went to Northwich on this occasion but they were made to work hard for it and it is sure to be another strong contest when C&N come to Moss Farm at the end of the league campaign.

More pictures of this event are available here :- http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Northwichrufc/CNAway6thSept09?authkey=Gv1sRgCLHe7pqyqYTJjwE&feat=email#

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September 13th Senior Colts vs Fleetwood Won 34-10
Another bright sunny day greeted the visitors from Fleetwood, just like last year and Northwich were hoping for a similar result. Northwich were immediately on the offensive and rocked Fleet back with some strong forward work in the first few mins. Once a platform was established the ball was spun down the back line and Ben Redfern rounded the Fleetwood winger and scored in the corner. 5 - 0. Fleet responded well and when awarded a penalty, decided to take the points to make it 5-3.

Northwich went straight back and earned a penalty of their own which Barber duly sloted from pretty much straight in front. 8 - 3. Northwich looked like they had scored on the left hand side when Ryan Barlow battered across the line from close quarters, but the ref did not give the score. However, Northwich looked the more likely team to score for most of the half, but the chances kept being deined them by some excellent Fleet defence and Northwich's own errors. When Redfern was yellow carded for "lifting in the tackle", Northwich found themselves stretched and only a desparate tap tackle from hooker Mike Jones stopped Fleet slipping in at the corner. However, poor work from the resulting line out allowed Fleet to recover the ball and score under the posts. So at the half, Northwich trailed 8 - 10.

4 Changes were made at half time and the fresh legs soon took the game to Fleetwood. Rob Garner was the first to get on the end of a good break to open his account with the team and not satisified with one, went on to score again later in the half, before having to leave the field when the excitement got too much for his sensitive stomach! Both sides had lads carded, but similar to last year, Fleet had 2 carded close together and had to play with 13 men for a few mins. Richard Hart finished off a fine move down the left wing to score under the posts and late in teh game Fleet elected to kick straight at full back Barber, who delighted in running the ball back hard and fast. Josh Holt finished off that move and with Joel Barber kicking 3 of the 5 conversions along with the penalty, that gave Northwich a convincing win and a second half of 26 unanswered points.

This was a much better performance by the Blacks this week, they played with more width and flow. Next week we make the journey to Fleetwood’s neighbours Fylde. 2pm Kick off.

More pictures of this event are available here :- http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Northwichrufc/SeniorColtsVsFleetwood130909?authkey=Gv1sRgCJKb6IWn4q3dOA&feat=email

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September 20th Senior Colts vs Fleetwood Won 61-24
As the Indian summer continued, an azure blue sky welcomed Northwich to Woodlands Memorial Ground, Fylde on what was almost a perfect day for running rugby. Fylde's premier pitch was in first class condition and all was set for a great game.

Northwich kicked off and a fine chase by the pack saw James Elliot gather the ball and almost score in the first few seconds, however a last ditch tackle spilled the ball from his grasp and the moment was gone. However, it was not long before Northwich were on the board, the ball being spun out to the wing for Josh Holt to run from within his own half and out pace most of the defence. Ian Lamb was on hand to provide the assist to round the last defender and Holt was in at the corner. Barber, sloted the kick from wide out. 0 - 7

Shortly afterwards it was Holts turn to provide the assist as Lamb went in for the first of his 2 of the afternoon, again sharp handling making the spaces, with the runners cutting good lines. Fylde were stung and kept the ball in the forwards and tried to smash the Northwich defence. Although the defence held firm the home team were given 2 penalties in kickable positions and slotted the second of the 2 attempts 3 - 12. Northwich were soaking up charges from the Fylde forwards and just looking for opportunities to turn over the ball. As soon as the ball was won, it was spun wide and the counter attacks began in earnest. The backs were all in the mood to run today and some neat passing opened up the Fylde defence for first Lamb and then the captain Phil Williams as both centres got on the score sheet. Barber missed one of the 2 converstions, the only blot on an otherwise excellent kicking display. 3 - 24. Northwich always looked dangerous on the break, but Fylde were solid in the forwards and continued to try and batter a hole in the Northwich defence, whilst Fylde were seeing some reward in terms of territory gained, the danger was always in the counter attack from turned over ball and when the ball found its way into Barbers hands, he slid through the opposition tackles like a greased pig, lit the afterburners and skinned the remaing defenders taking the score to 3 - 31.

At this point Northwich seemed to relax a little and although still competitive, they were not as determined in the tight. The result was that Fylde started to make a few more dents in the Northwich defence and with the half close to being over, they crashed over the line to score a further 7 points - 10 - 31 In the early stages of the second half the momentum started to shift towards the home team. Whatever had been put into the half time orange seemed to be working as another period of tight forward play saw Fylde opening the scoring in the second half after the Blacks failed to get themeselves correctly aligned for the quick tap penalty. 17 - 31.

However, the half time changes for Northwich soon got up to speed and fresh props Canniffe and Barlow were both found on the rampage in the loose. This renewed vigour gave new life to the forwards and soon it was business as usual as Northwich began to win ball again. Within minutes of replacing Holt on the wing, Shaw was powering through the defences for his first of the afternoon. He was to follow that up with another a little later and in the dying mins of the half he looked in danger of having to buy the traditional "Hat Trick Jug" but a last ditch tackle knocked the ball from his grasp.

Fylde were tiring in the hot sun and a loose pass was siezed upon by Williams, who intercepted and sprinted under the posts for his second. When Barber again found space coming into the line from Full Back the opposition had no answer to his pace and he rounded the last man and dotted down for the score. Canniffe stepped up and neatly slotted the conversion.

Fylde scored a conselation try at the end, to show that they are a force to be reckoned with, but on this day it was the power and pace of the Northwich backs that made the difference today. Tries, Holt, Lamb (2) Williams (2), Shaw (2), Barber (2 + 7 Conversions) Canniffe (1 conversion).

Thanks to Fylde for a hard fought game, that never looked like turning nasty and to their catering staff for an excellent post match repast.

More pictures of this event are available here :- http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Northwichrufc/NorthwichVsFyldeSeniorColts200909?authkey=Gv1sRgCJe0orn1q--VXA&feat=email#

Simon’s pictures are at :- http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon1bridle/FyldeVsNorthwichColtsSeptember20th2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCM7XxNv0i_2XkAE&feat=email#

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September 27th Senior Colts vs Ormskirk Won 44-11
Northwich still well remember the drubbings that Ormskirk have handed out to them in the past and so it was with great enthusiasm that Northwich set about dismantling the once great Ormskirk side. Although not the side they once were with players unavailable to them due to the AASE rules, they were still a capable outfit.

However, their game plan for the day was fairly one dimensional with a couple of big props believing that they were related to the white Rhino and attempting to charge through the defence at every opportunity. However, Northwich had plenty of answers to this tactic and in possesion of one or two Rhino's of their own. One titanic collision lead to the ball being neatly stripped from Ormskirk possession and almost a score for Ryan Barlow. Once the ball was in Northwich hands, we had far more finesse in response and the score board quickly started ticking along.

Phillips opened the scoring, Barber missing a sitter from in front of the posts. Ormskirk responded with 2 penalties, which briefly gave them the lead until Barber danced through the opposition to score and convert to give Northwich a 12 - 6 half time lead. In the second half a good dose of fresh legs brought more freedom to the Blacks and tries were run in by Williams, Hale, Lamb, and 2 for Redfern

Barber overcame his earlier kicking gremlins to kick 4 of the 5 remaining conversions.

More pictures of this event are available here :- http://picasaweb.google.com/Northwichrufc/20090927?authkey=Gv1sRgCN7A65HWyZW0ywE&feat=email#

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October 4th Senior Colts vs Manchester Won 17-5
Northwich turned out missing several influential players this week, but were still able to field a full team with 4 reserves, unlike Manchester who only just managed to put 15 players on the pitch and were unable to provide a front row, hence the game started with uncontested scrums.

Northwich started brightly and within 4 mins had made a gap for winger Josh Holt to glide through to score close to the sticks. Lack of attention to detail from the players meant that the kicking tee was not available and so the conversion was missed.

Manchester picked themselves up and set about avenging the early score. Northwich's defence was made to work hard to keep the opposition out, and although chances to counter attack presented themselves, these opportunities were fairly rare and generally fizzled out due to mistakes. Northwich spent most of the first half on the back foot defending and when Fly Half Underhill took a blow to the head and had to be substituted, things were looking a bit shaky.

The game dissolved into stalemate and half time was a welcome break, with the Blacks holding onto the slenderest of leads. The coach tried to instill a sense of urgency and purpose during the half time team talk, however, the early sessions of the second half seemed to show that the words had fell on deaf ears. Eventually following a long period of pressure, Manchester finally managed to string together enough passes to skirt the wide defence and score in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful. 5 - 5.

Even this score seemed to fail to get the Blacks back up to full pace and another period of stalemate broke out. Finally, when yet again pressed into their 22 Northwich decided that they did remember how to play and a break out by Ben Jones seemed to spark a revival. A quick tap penalty from Scrum half Hart released the pack and it was Shaw, today playing at 7, that collected the pass and sprinted to the line. That conversion was narrowly missed, however the score seemed to finally galvanise the team and with the opposition visibly tiring, Northwich applied the pressure and again released Shaw into space for his second of the day. Hart making the final conversion.

It is said that good teams win even when playing badly, if this is true, then this is potentially a good team. This was an ugly win, the blacks were made to work very hard by a spirited and determined Manchester side and the game could easily have gone either way. This shows that there is much work to do at training and despite having won 5 from 5 and topping their league, they are a long way from the finished article. Yes, uncontested scrums, missing players, players in unfamiliar positions all had a bearing on the performance, but this was still a very below par performance, more a case of Senior Clots than Senior Colts.

The bright spot though was the excellent hospitality the lads enjoyed in the club house, Manchester is to be commended for its excellent food and camaraderie after the game

More pictures of this event are available here :- http://picasaweb.google.com/Northwichrufc/20091004?authkey=Gv1sRgCOSP1KXml6i-KA&feat=email#

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October 11th Senior Colts vs Preston Grasshopper Won 27-15
The game opened with a very fluid passage of play, with Northwich receiving the kick and determined to run the ball. From the kickoff there was probably close to 5 mins of play without the sound of the whistle, until Full back Joel Barber finished off a move with at try. The attempt to improve the try just sliding wide.

Following the restart Northwich again mounted pressure and when Hoppers committed a penalty offence in front of the sticks, Barber slotted it with aplomb. It was not long before the ball again was kicked to the deadly back 3 and again Barber was on hand to finish off the move, this time with a bit more work to as he wove down the right wing, outstripping the defence and under the posts, the conversion this time this time being handed to Underhill who slotted it with out trouble. Several more surging breaks were seen to cut the Hoppers defence wide open, probably the bast was from Holt who powered down the wing from within his own 10, only to be stopped a few yards short of the line and without enough support to finish the play.

However, Northwich were still exerting great pressure on the hoppers line and when Houghton saw space and broke down the left, Dale was on hand to finish off the try for his first score of the season. The conversion from wide out was not far away, but with a 20 point lead it looked to be Northwich's day. However, Hoppers had other ideas and whilst caught napping early on, were doggedly determined to get back into the game. Barber was caught in too minds whether to kick or run a high hanging kick and paid the price by getting caught by the very quick chasers. This field position lead to a sustained period of Hoppers pressure, which only ended when they finally baralled over the line. The kick was unsuccessful and we went into half time 5 - 20.

Hoppers had found that their best hope lay in their strong pick and drive game and this they executed well. However, Northwich were in no mood to be bullied and responded with solid defence. The game was starting to simmer and became more physical. Whilst the ref's back was turned watching the ball a little pushing suddenly turned ugly as 3 hoppers players ganged up on Northwich's 10 James Underhill. The ref was then distracted by this just as Hoppers crossed the line to score, their ill discipline costing them a vital try and earning them a post match ear bashing from their coach. Whilst Hoppers continued to press for a score, Northwich were always looking for the break and turn over ball was rapidly spun out to Holt, who tore down the wing, past the cover to score under the sticks Underhill adding the conversion.

Changes, both tactical and injury induced followed and this slightly upset the solidity of the Northwich defence. A moment of indecision at the base of a Northwich scrum lead to turn over ball inside the Northwich 22. The play resulted in a good attack that was only stopped illegally. A few penalties followed and some verbal ill discipline earned him 10 mins in the bin. The position ultimately lead to a score when Northwich did not realign well enough to meet the tap penalty. Again the conversion missed but the score was quickly followed by another similar score to take it to 15 - 27. Northwich finally decided to go back to playing their game, rather than the game Hoppers wanted us to play and the game drew to a close with Northwich mounting surging runs down the wings and just running out of room. So the Colts are now 6 from 6 and are sat on top of Senior League B. Nearest rivals Aldwinians didn't play today

More pictures of this event are available here :- http://picasaweb.google.com/Northwichrufc/20091011GrasshoppersAway?feat=email#

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October 24th Senior Colts vs Aldwinians (Away) Won 46-0
Absences through holiday, injury, sickness and county call ups meant that Northwich travelled to the other unbeaten side in Colts League B with a number of influential players absent. However, the squad that was available turned up with a solid determination to get the job done.

Thankfully the downpour that punctuated the pre game warm up blew through before kick off and Northwich started playing into the wind. The first exchanges saw Northwich piling on the pressure, but Aldwinians were working hard to stop the attacks and used the boot down wind to relieve the pressure. Something of a stalemate broke out as Northwich were unable to unlock the Aldwinians defence, yet mounted wave after wave of attack. After 15 or so minutes, this had the makings of a tight game.

Eventually though the pressure exerted by Northwich lead to the first score and it fell to prop Sam Caniffe to power through the defence to open the scoring. Underhills kick floating wide on the breeze. This score broke the stalemate and lifted the spell that seemed to have been thwarting Northwich’s attacks. Aldwinians tried to respond, but some determined defence from the blacks snuffed out any threats and when ball was turned over, James Elliott pounced and broke for the line. The scramble defence just got to him but not before he had off loaded to Houghton who found Lamb coming in at pace to dive over the line. Within minutes Joel Barber was up in the attack and carved open the defence to score with another scorching run from deep. Underhill appeared to have nailed the kick, but the wind stepped in at the last second and bounced the ball off the left hand upright and away from the crossbar.

Half time saw Northwich turn around enjoying a 15 – 0 lead with the benefit of the wind behind them. Coach Phil Clarke urged the team to deliver more of the same and for them to keep the pressure on. The team were happy to comply and kept the ball moving where ever possible, with fly half Underhill picking the options to either kick or play very intelligently. A delayed short pass to Lamb coming from deep saw him break the defence to score under the posts. Shortly afterwards a short inside ball released full back Barber through a similar gap and his searing pace carried him through the defence and under the posts. Aldwinians kept the ball tight and tried to smash through the heart of the Northwich defence, but any time they were turned over Northwich were happy to either pin them back with kicks, or to have a run.

Northwich’s forwards were determined to get in on the act and having won the ball from a line out deep in opposition territory, they drove hard for the line. Referee Andy Daniels indicating that the ball was held up. Northwich attacked again from the scrum and span the ball wide, where yet more desperate defence kept them out. The pack started to get white line fever and despite the calls from the crowd, completely ignored the 10 meters of undefended blind side to continue to batter at the heart of the defence. Eventually Caniffe used his power and bulk to batter his way over. Holt found himself deep in his own half with the ball and a little bit of space out wide and sprinted hard to undo the cover defence to take the next score but the final score of the game was the icing on the cake and a true team score.

The ball was won deep in the Northwich half and worked across the pitch to the right, another break down the right wing had the defence scrambling hard, however good support was on hand and as the tackles came in the ball was kept alive and passed through several hands. Just as it looked like the defence was going to drive this attack into touch, Houghton found Hart running a wide support line and one neat pass took the majority of the drift defence out of the game and Hart sprinted under the posts. The final few minutes saw Northwich down to 14 men as Underhill was given a “team yellow” for persistent infringements at the breakdown. Whilst Aldwinians pushed hard for the consolation score, Northwich were in no mood to give anything away this week and locked and bolted the door until time ran out. Before the game there was some apprehension with so many players out this week, in the end though the squad that did play, did so with great commitment, several individuals putting in some of their best performances to date. We look forward to completing the first round half of the league season when Chester come to Moss Farm in 2 weeks time.
 

More pictures of this event are available :-
Simon :- http://picasaweb.google.com/simon1bridle/OldAldwiniansVsNorthwichSeniorColts25102009?authkey=Gv1sRgCNukkOWu1teLcA&feat=content_notification#

Ken :- http://picasaweb.google.com/Northwichrufc/200910251?authkey=Gv1sRgCK_DkNCWv4qyWA&feat=email#
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November 8th Senior Colts vs Chester (Home) Won 56-3
An injury hit Chester could only muster 15 players for the short trip to Moss Farm on Sunday. Despite their lack of replacements and weaknesses in a few areas, the visitors stuck dogedly to their task all afternoon, which is a credit to the team.

Northwich were on the scoreboard withing 2 mins as a fumbled kickoff gave Northwich the scrum on the opposition 22. A few phases of play and Josh Holt, fresh from his Cheshire U18's appearence last week, added one more to his growing try haul for the season.

Chester restarted and Northwich were larconic at the restart, no one claimed the kick initially and this lead to a scramble to recover the ball. Chester applied good pressure, but Northwich appeared to have the situation under control, however a mix up in kicking duties lead to the ball being passed dead and a 5m attacking scrum. Chester sensed an opportunity to get a quick score, but Northwich's defence finally switched on, albeit not without giving away a penalty for off side in front of the posts. Chester took the 3 points on offer, which turned out to be their only score of the game.

Stung by their sloppiness, Northwich restarted with determination and it soon showed that today was not going to be a day where the forwards provided all the grunt and the backs did all the scoring, unlike most of the games this year. Opening his account for the season was our other Cheshire representative James Cotterill, who romped through the opposition defence to score a well set up try.

Northwich looked certain to score again as they mounted serious pressure on the Chester line and Houghton crashed through the defence and looked likely to score but great scrambling defence from Chester held up his attempt to ground the ball and that of supporting player Ben Jones. The score did eventually come though from No8 Frazer Dodd as he slid in out wide to open his seasons account as well. As the back row were in fine fettle today, Jim Elliott decided he was not to be left out and taking a kick ahead in his own half set off down the wing and demonstrated good pace in rounding the defence and trotting under the sticks to score.

Joel Barber finished off the first half scoring with a trademark gliding run through the heart of the defence. 33 - 3 at the half time whistle. The coaches made sure that the bench all got a good run out and several changes were made either side of half time. However, it did little to blunt the Northwich attack and it was soon business as usual when Williams split the Chester defence with a great line break and touched down next to the posts. This was followed up with a try for Houghton, another one for Dodd and rounded off by one from Garner to give the final score as 59 - 3.

Special mention should go to the referee this week - Blake Beattie. Blake is on an exchange trip from Natal Province in South Africa, both teams agreed that the standard of officiating was excellent this week. The game was managed with empathy, allowed to flow where possible and yet decisions were clear and concise. Expect to see more of this young ref in the future.

More pictures of this event are available :-

Ken :- http://picasaweb.google.com/Northwichrufc/20091108?authkey=Gv1sRgCLafu_7azvCuWQ&feat=email#
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November 14th Senior Colts vs Fleetwood (Away) Won 13-6
Pre match preparations were far from ideal as Northwich had travelled only once a pitch inspection had declared one of the remote pitches fit, however on arrival they raised concerns re the safety of the offered pitch due to standing water. After a referee's inspection it was decided that only the first team pitch offered any hope of a game and in racing parlance the going would be soft at best. It was clear that any form of flowing rugby was going to be scarce given the conditions under foot, although for the most part the game was played without further rain.

Fleet kicked off and pressured the Northwich catch, but Northwich had the wind to their backs and soon worked clear to set up position inside the Fleet half. Whilst the surface still offered some chance to run, Northwich exploited their running skills and it was not long before Redfern rounded the defence and slid in to the right hand corner to open the scoring. Underhills kick was slightly wide.

Fleet again pressured the Northwich defence and made it hard for the Blacks to do much, however, Underhill continued to use the wind and kick them into decent field positions. The contest in the breakdown was intense and Northwich had some lessons to learn as they gave Fleet two penalties and a free-kick all from deep inside Fleets 22, allowing them to relieve the pressure. However, Northwich worked hard to recover the ground and maintain the pressure and following some slick handling given the conditions, a gap opened for full back Joel Barber, who skated around the wide defence to score closer to the posts. Underhills kick grazed the upright but stayed out. It was third time lucky though for Underhill with the boot when another scything attack, this time down the left was stopped illegally and the 3 points were duly added to the total. 13 - 0 was the half time score, but now facing into wind on a rapidly deteriorating pitch, would it be enough to take the game.

The half time talk spoke of heart, determination and defining moments, words chosen to put warmth into cold, wet, frozen bodies whose task was to survive another 35 minute mud bath. At this point several players were rather regretting the lateness of the partying the night before and the quantities of amber nectar they had consumed. Fleet were very determined to take revenge for the defeat at Moss Farm earlier in the season and started to use the wind to put themselves in positions from which to attack. Time and again they set up a driving maul, a tactic which is hard to defend on such a slick surface. However, Northwich's defence worked tirelessly to keep the home side from scoring. Once the drive got over the line, but the score was held up.

A penalty goal after about 5 mins of the second half was followed up with a second around the half way point. Both were well taken kicks from a decent range in atrocious conditions, but these were to prove to be Fleets only rewards for their efforts. With only a 7 point gap, Fleet never gave up and to the very end were looking for the score that would at least tie the game, but as the ref signalled last play, it was Northwich that were on the attack, a loose ball was hacked forwards and it looked like Northwich would finish the second half with a score, but some good scrambling defence combined with the sticky conditions were enough to snuff out the opportunity.

The final whistle brought relief to Northwich and disappointment to Fleetwood, this is the 4th game in two years between these sides and every one has been a competitive affair. This was a game that could easily have gone either way.

The hot showers slowly revived tired and cold bodies and an excellent plate of roast beef and all the trimmings restored the soul. A big thank you to Fleetwood for some excellent rugby and hospitality Northwich welcome Fylde to Moss Farm next Sunday, 2pm kick off.

More pictures of this event are available :-

Ken :- http://picasaweb.google.com/Northwichrufc/20091115?authkey=Gv1sRgCPDzycey3-bk0gE&feat=email
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November 22nd Senior Colts vs Flyde (Home) Won 29-5 
Despite the absence of a few key players today, Northwich still had almost a full bench to complement a full team. Our opposition has been forced to fold its Junior and Senior Colts side together in order to keep one team going and could only muster 17 to travel to Northwich. In damp and dreary conditions Northwich seemed to lack the fizz that has been so typical of their play of late and were put under pressure by a young and determine Fylde side. It took about 15 mins for Northwich to start to lift their game and for centre Matt Phillips to take an interception and sprint under the posts for a 7 - 0 lead.

Straight from the kick off though, Northwich contrived to put themselves under pressure and ended up conceeding a 5m scrum. Fylde's 8 making light work of breaking off the back and sprinting over the line, the conversion however was missed. 7 - 5. Today’s Captain James Underhill layed down the law to his team and demanded that they "get there heads on" whilst they waited for the conversion and from the kick off, the Blacks started to respond.

Next over the line was winger Josh Hale, both sides appear to stop playing for a split second as the ball appeared to have been knocked on by Northwich, however, the ref indicated that it was off the chest and so no knock on. Josh swooped on the loose ball and sprinted under the sticks, although Underhills conversion was missed. 12 - 5. Half time came up following some scrappy play but now gave Northwich the opportunity to play with the wind. Northwich now seemed to play with more purpose and commitment and before long James Cotterill forced his way through a couple of tacklers and found himself clear to the line, he comfortably out sprinted the defence to the line, although the kick was again wide. 17 - 5

Fylde were never going to make this easy for the home side and continued to press and harry at every opportunity and this did upset the patterns Northwich were trying to work with. However, Gaz Shaw out on the right wing was to show his vesatility and strength by getting 2 more tries, one out wide and one more a forwards rumble as Northwich looked to close out the game. Underhill converting 1 of 2 to take the score to 29 - 5.

As the coaches ensured that the bench all got some game time, the game again became scrappy and at times it looked like Fylde could yet score again. They threw everything at Northwich in the dying minutes, but again the Blacks defence held firm and the half finished with Northwich attacking down the right wing. Not a classic game by any stretch of the imagination, Northwich were run quite close by a side containing a lot of Junior Colts, but in the end they were comfortable enough with their win. This takes the team to 11 wins in 11 games and keeps them top of the Raging Bull Northwest Colts League B. With their nearest rivals loosing to Crewe and Nantwich this weekend, the gap has grown at the top.

More pictures of this event are available :-

Ken :- http://picasaweb.google.com/Northwichrufc/20091122?authkey=Gv1sRgCMCKzIjEuKvGlAE#  
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November 29th Senior Colts vs Ellesmere Port (Home) Won 23-6 
Northwich were guilty of under estimating the difficulty of the conditions and the spirit of a fired up EP team and nearly paid the price, at least early on. The first exchanges saw EP unlucky not to score a try in the first few mins as Northwich failed to adapt to the wet and slippery conditions as well as their visitors. Ultimately they held firm, but a penalty shortly afterwards cost them 3 points. 0 -3 Northwich tried to rally themselves but were making hard work of playing a dogged opposition, eventually though Lamb sprinted around and through the EP defence to open the scoring out wide, but Underhill was unable to improve it. 5 - 3 The first half dissolved into a series of half chances ruined by poor decision making or execution.

A few changes at half time and a bit of a wind up talk from the coaches saw a better start to the second half and it was not long before Northwich had doubled their lead. It seemed likely that Northwich would now exploit the opportunities of attacking at the drier end of the pitch, but again a mixture of a doggedly determined opposition, lack of precision and difficult conditions meant that it was slow going. EP gained another penalty and although in front of the posts the kick was some distance out but proved to be no problem and the score went to 10 - 6. Northwich pushed on, but it was still some while later before the 3rd try came, to make the score line a more comfortable 15 - 6. Underhill finally got his kicking boots working with a penalty deep into the second half to take it out to 18 - 6 and finally Holt squeezed in at the corner to take the fourth try and make the scoreline a more respectable 23 - 6.

So Northwich Colts are now 12 wins from 12 games in all competitions and progress to the second round of the Cheshire Cup. However, the warning signs were all there of what can happen if complacency starts to creep in.

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December 17th Senior Colts vs Manchester (Home) Won 36-7 
Northwich welcomed Manchester to Moss Farm on Sunday, Manchester travelling with only 14 players due to injuries, county trials and 1st team duties. We have all heard of the game of 2 halves, how about the game of 3 refs!

Northwich started brightly and were soon putting pressure on the Manchester defence, although missing several key players of their own through injury and county duty, they were still able to field a strong squad. The first try came inside 5 minutes as the ball was put short into Sam Canniffes hands and he took route one to the try line, straight through the defence. Hart was on kicking duties today, but was unsuccessful with his first attempt. The second try was not far behind as Northwich cleared the kick off and spun the ball wide early and gave Shaw space on the wing, he was stopped deep in the Manchester 22 but Holt was backing up well and took the pop ball over to make it 10 - 0. Unfortunately referee John Owen heard something snap in his calf and was unable to continue. Northwich made some rapid calls and had a ref on his way down in minutes, but it was agreed that until he was down and ready, Chris Hart would keep the game going. The long break took some of the flow from the game and Northwich were forced to defend for a period until they were able to release Holt up the right wing to score his second. Hart, preferring the view from the right hand side of the posts slotted the conversion 17 - 0. The scores remained like this to half time, at which point Paul Taylor came on as replacement referee to become the 3rd ref of the game.

Northwich continued to defend well and then counter attack as the opportunities arose. Manchesters 15 was making good progress into the Northwich 22 when he was tackled and stripped of the ball by Robin Houghton, he quickly flipped the ball out to new signing Jamie Harrison who demonstrated his excellent pace and balanced running style to score from 75 metres. Richard Hart adding the extras. 24 - 0. From the kick off Northwich took the ball and quickly worked it wide into Josh Holts hands and he found space on the left wing to leave the opposition grasping at air as he flew down the wing to add another score to the tally. 31-0. Replacement winger Josh Hale also got in on the scoring, a well set up play just short of the line was flipped blind and Josh powered over in the corner, leaving Richard Hart with a tough kick for the extras. Unfortunately he just missed the target - 36 - 0. Manchester though never gave up and when Northwich got sloppy in their own 22 Manchester made them pay, pouncing on the loose ball and scoring under the sticks.

So the men in black extend their good run to 12 wins from 12 in the league and 13 from 13 in all competitions.

Next week we welcome Preston Grasshoppers to Moss Farm - 2pm Kick off

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January 17th Senior Colts vs Chester (Away) Won 39-10 
After all the snow and ice of the last month, Northwich were delighted to be able to finally play a game in 2010. They made the short trip to Chester determined to maintain their unbeaten run, a considerable amount of supporters also travelled, having been starved of any rugby to watch over teh extended Xmas break. The games started with uncontested scrums as Chester were short of a prop to begin with, however, it was not too long before the missing lads turned up and returned Chester to a full team. Despite the enforced lack of training over the past few weeks,  Northwich started quite brightly and soon had their hosts under pressure. After a few false dawns they finally found their way to the try line, Ian Lamb making a tackle busting break and putting Josh Holt away to open the scoring. 0 - 5. It was more of the same from the kick off, Sam Canniffe recovered the restart and Northwich started to build again. This time Phil Williams, playing Fly Half this week, opened up the defence and romped in to make it  0 - 10. Both conversions being unsuccessful. Chester regrouped and started to hold there own for a period, but again their defence was split by the long loping stride of Phil Williams, who stood up his defender and fed Robin Houghton the try scoring pass.  0 - 15. Northwich were now clearly in control of this game and it looked like a 4th try was on the cards as Richard Hart darted through the line out just outside the Chester 22, but he failed to out pace the opposition and was caught short of the line. The ball was recycled, but Chester defended well and the chance was lost. Northwich maintained heavy pressure on the visitors, but signs of slackness started to show as a couple of passes were intercepted and ball turned over in contact which gave Chester the chance to attack. Northwich though were not finished, Lamb, having made one for Holt earlier, took a score from himself with another tackle busting run, this time he was free to run under the posts allowing Hart to add the 2 for a 22 point lead. This was added to before halftime as Dodd powered his way over to add his name to the score sheet with another converted try. 0 - 29 being the halftime score.

Northwich turned to face the rapidly lowering sun in the second half and made 2 substitutions at the break. Hart was replaced at 9 by Houghton, the backline all stepped in one and Bridgwater joined on the wing. There was a straight swap at prop Canniffe coming off and Bridle coming into tight head.

Chester seemed to be revitalised after the break and came hard at Northwich and it was some time before Northwich had weathered that storm and moved the scoring on, however, Cotterill snaffled up a line out deep in the Chester 22 and slid around the defence on the outside to score in the corner. 0 - 34. More pressure from Northwich took the attack down the left wing but more dogged defence seemed to have snuffed out the move, however, Dale spotted an undefended blind side and exploited it to score in the left hand corner. 0 - 39  With the half wearing on, the sun dropping rapidly and with it the temperature, Northwich seemed to go into their shells and allowed their hosts to rally and score. The first one came from a kick down the wing where the cover failed to deal with the ball on the floor, leaving the gleeful Chester attacker to hack ahead and score. Another score almost came when Houghton's box kick from on his own tryline went to mid field instead of touch as he slipped, good reaction from the defence saved that one, but another attempted clearence kick dropped into the arms of an attacker moments later and he barrelled his way over to give some respectability to Chesters final score.

10 - 39 the final result, Northwich were pleased to have continued their winning run and now sit 11 points clear at the top of the Raging Bull Senior Colts League (B).

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February 7th Senior Colts vs Winnington Park (Home) Lost 6-0 
Derby matches are always tense affairs and this was no different. Northwich were without a 10 players this week due to County U20's as well as injury and illness, but still fielded 20 players, a testiment to the depth of this squad. By contrast, Park, brought 21 players, which must have been a delight as well as a shock to their coaches who week in week out struggle to get 15 players for league games. Obviously the chance to play in the derby game fired up the older Park lads, many of which travelled home especially for the game, one from as far afield as Exeter! Such was the determination to come and beat their rivals.

The game was a hard fought contest, which in the end was decided by two early penalties from Chris Jolly, both kicks sneaking in, but in was good enough. The crowd were treated to a tense and thrilling game, the score line bearing little resembelance to the number of heart stopping moments for both sides. No quarter was asked or given as these lads went at each other for all they were worth and largely cancelled each other out. Park took the points that were on offer, Northwich had several kickable penalties, but spurned them all in favour of attempting to get tries.

Northwich always looked the more likely to score a try and had they played more of their usual game, they may well have done so. However, Parks defence was enormous and was typified in the last few minutes of the game when Holt had the ball in space on his wing and was flying, he had one defender to beat and at the speed he was travelling, this was a shot to nothing of a tackle. However, the tackle was made and a certain 7 pointer was averted. The cheer from his team and away supporters was bourne of pure relief.

In the final analysis, Northwich will perhaps rue not taking the penalties to level the score, but will mostly look back on the lost chances to score tries. Winnington's boys did a great job, especially as this was the first time some of these lads had played rugby this season. Winnington will have to recall all their big guns if they are to get through the semis and we wish them good luck.

Northwich return to league action next week and face Crewe and Nantwich at home - a win will seal the league championship for them - kick off 2pm

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February 14th Senior Colts vs Crewe & Nantwich (Home) Won 39-7 
Northwich looked to bounce back from last weeks under par performance to sew up the Raging Bull Colts League B, a win would take them to 14 straight wins in the league and out of reach of any of the chasing pack. Crewe as always arrived with a forward pack determined to dog it out and make life as difficult as possible for the home side. With more injuries last week, but thankfully some returning players this week, the structure of the home side was changed yet again and this showed in the first few minutes as lads got used to their new positions and how those around them were playing. Northwich looked threatening for several minutes before the deadlock was broken as the ball was put through hands for Gough to open the scoring, Hart unable to improve on the score.This score seemed to relax the home team and the stuttering start moved more into a flow. Northwich gathered the kick off and spun it out right. The Crewe defence were up fast so the Blacks showed the perfect way to attack this tactic as Houghton chipped over the rushing defence, the ball bounced kindly for winger Redfern who raced away to the posts to double the score. Hart must have left his kicking boots at home as the shot from infront of the sticks missed the right hand upright. 10 - 0.Northwich now had their tails up and Sam Canniffe started to show more of his abilities as he hit up through the centre, smashing through tackles as well as dominating in the scrums.

Sadly the game was to go to uncontested scrums when the Crewe hooker took a blow to the knee and was unable to continue. With no front row replacement, Crewe should have been reduced to 14 men, however referee Snoddy consulted the Northwich Coaches who agreed to allow C&N to continue with 15 players. Northwich scored again through winger Redfern and Joel Barber took over the kicking duties and sloted the extras to take the score to 17 - 0.
From the restart Crewe tried to set up a position in the Northwich half and eventually earned themselves a penalty. The Crewe coach was heard reminding his lads to chase the kick in case it rebounded, all though the kick was fairly straight. However, the kick did rebound off the upright and the chasing players gathered the ball. The Northwich defence did its best to shut them out but eventually Crewe squirmed in for the try. The extras were added and 17 - 7 was the half time score.

Half time saw the return of Underhill to 10, having not played since his injury in early December, Houghton moved back to his more accustomed scrum half position. Lamb replaced Bridgwater on the wing as the latter had taken a heavy hit part way through the first half. Northwich continued to build the lead and as the game drifted further away from C&N some tempers began to fray a little. Referee Snoddy carding one Crewe player for killing the ball. Crewe never again looked like crossing the Northwich line as Northwich notched up another 4 tries, Redfern and Gough adding another one each Jamie Harrison, back from U20's duty, added his second in 2 games and Ben Jones finally opened his account for the colts. Underhill added conversion and 39 - 7 was the final score.

Northwich have 4 games left in the league, but only 2 weekends left to play them, due to the freeze out at the turn of the year. The league has to finish on the 28th Feb in order to give time to the league cup competition. Northwich are away to bottom club Ormskirk this weekend and then finish their League season with a visit from Sedgley Park the weekend after. The remaining 2 fixtures will be counted as no score draws.

Congratulations to the Northwich Squad in winning the league and in particular to the Coaches (Phil Clarke, Alan Jack and Dodo Muntean) that have done a great job in getting the best out of the lads this season

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April 11th Senior Colts vs Wirral (Away) Lost 44-28 
Northwich again went out of the cup to their nemesis Wirral in what was a scintilating and well fought game. Northwich were straight into their stride from the off and soon had the Wirral defence reeling as they struggled to get up to speed. Barber made use of this uncharacteristic slackness and skinned the defence to open the scoring, Underhill adding the extras, although he was unable to get a penalty either side of this score. Wirral realising that this was going to be a dog fight upped their work rate and drove hard through the pack, their pick and drives being met with varying levels of resistance and giving the feeling that not all of the pack was fully committed defensively. Wirral battered a path through and evened up the scores to 7 - 7. They then pressed on from their and 2 quick scores had the score board flipping over to 19 - 7 and Northwich facing an exit from the cup. However, the team pulled themselves together as they realised that if they were to loose it would be their last game together, something that non of them wanted.

Fly half Underhill, who has been very successful with the boot this season, finally remembered the way to the try line and twice completely undid the Wirral defence and went on a solo run through the clutching hands of Wirral defenders. He improved both of his own tries and Northwich were back in the lead at 21 - 19. Wirral attempted a penalty kick, but the shot was missed and Northwich turned on the pressure further with another scything run from Barber to add tothe tally and Underhill's 4th conversion taking the scores out to 19 - 28 to the visitors. However, Wirral never seem to know when they are beaten and they set about starving the ball from the Northwich attack. The break down area was ferocious and little by little Northwich were starved of possession and Wirral turned up the intensity. They scored 5 further tries, failed to convert them all and ended Northwich's dream season with a bump.

If Northwich were to look back on this game and look for the reason's behind their defeat they may want to reflect on some of the choices taken, the intensity of some of their first up tackles and their determination in chasing down kicks. To the neutral's, I am sure it was an excellent and entertaining game of rugby, it demostrates that this new crop of Northwich players have made massive improvements over the season, but that they still have much to learn to beat the very best around.

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