© Copyright

U11 Match Reports 2004-5

3rd October U11 vs Ormskirk (Away) Won 33-0
A fantastic start to the season. The forwards were solid with Joe Maddocks and Mike Gough outstanding as props. Quick hands from Sam Jones and Sam Hunt helped Henry Bellis to score twice. Sam Jones quick thinking was too much for the Ormskirk scrum half and he scored 3 tries. Also a mention of the new players this season especially Danny Howman who put in some superb tackles. Tries Bellis-2, Jones-3, all converted by Hunt.
Return to fixtures

17th October U11 vs Crewe & Nantwich (Home) Won 49-0
Tense start to the game with Crewe and Nantwich forwards putting a lot of pressure on the Northwich forwards. Henry Bellis was solid as always in midfield defence and organised the impenetrable Northwich backline to great effect, great defending from Jordan Bryne, Reece Handley and Rhys Williams kept the Crewe and Nantwich backs quiet. After a stern talking to from coach Dave Hunt at half time the Northich forwards up'ed the pace, Archie Love having a great second half. Despite defending hard the pressure told time after time on the Crewe and
Nantwich defence, good linking from forwards to backs saw Mike Gough offload to Mike Collier and then to Matthew Beesley to score in the corner. Sam Hunt converting all the tries gave a classy display of kicking from the spot and out of hand. Scrumhalf Sam Jones had another sniping game, scoring a great solo effort try running in from 35 metres after catching the ball from a Crewe penalty. Final Score Northwich 49 : Crewe and Nantwich 0, Tries Sam Jones 3, Matthew Beesley 3, Joe Maddocks 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 6, Matthew Beesley 1.
Return to fixtures

30th October U11 vs Chester (Home) Won 21-3
A hard start to the game both sets of forwards working to try to get the ball, Northwich had little ball in the first quarter of the game. Henry Bellis and Rhys Williams were the only Northwich backs able to make any headway through the Chester defence, but lack of support saw good running go to waste. The breakthrough came near to half time with an all enveloping tackle by Joe Maddocks putting pressure on Chester, a brave charge down from Sam Jones made the ball bounce loose, Jordan Dodd was quick to pick the ball up and drive through two defenders to score. At the beginning of the second half Chester scored a try from the lineout with sloppy tackling from Northwich. After a tense few minutes Northwich forwards started to grind the Chester forwards down as they moved closer to the Chester line, the pressure told as Joe Maddocks went over for a great forwards try supported by Danny Howman and Mike Gough. A slip in defence saw a great piece of running from the Chester outside half, he looked certain to score,Rhys Williams at fullback cut him down with a try saving tackle, the ball spilled and Northwich took advantage. Sam Jones sealed the match after with a typical spin off the back of a maul, tackled but not held, diving over the line. Sam Hunt had a great game making tackle after tackle and some good incisive running. Other performances of note were Matty Beesley,Danny Howman and Jordan Dodd. A second game was played with newer players from both Chester and Northwich, Northwich had a good run out, some very promising play and good prospects for the future especially Matty Riddell, Mike Collier and Simon Plant. First Game score Northwich 21, Chester 5; Tries Jordan Dodd, Joe Maddocks and Sam Jones 1 each, Conversions Sam Hunt 3.
Return to fixtures
14th November U11 vs Whitchurch Won 38-0 & Ellesmere Port Won 64-0 (both Home)
It was Ellesmere Port's first ever game of rugby and it was hard work for them, Northwich 11's experience and skills telling very early with Henry Bellis scoring from the kick off. Despite a lack of strong opposition Northwich held shape and structure and ran in some well organised and flowing scores. The forwards secured safe ball which enabled good distribution from the half back pairing of Sam Jones and Sam Hunt gave the opportunity for some devastating power play from Henry Bellis in the centre running in try after try. Jordan 'Maggot' Dodd was impressive in the loose as the game opened up and was unlucky not to score more than his two tries. Some strong play from both Joe Maddocks and Tom Sherindan added their names to the score sheet. Despite huge pressure Ellesmere Port kept trying and in the future should be a good team and give Northwich a much closer game. Final Score; Northwich 64, Ellesmere Port 0 Tries; Henry Bellis 3, Jordan Dodd 2, Sam Jones 2, Sam Hunt 1, Tom Sheridan 1, Joe Maddocks 1, Conversions; Sam Hunt 4, Henry Bellis 1, Sam Jones 1, Jordan Dodd 1.

Still charged up from their first game against Ellesmere Port, Northwich immediately put the pressure on Whitchurch. Henry Bellis and Sam Hunt continued their style of uncompromising power play running straight through tackle after tackle, both scoring two tries each. Sam Jones's distribution from the battling forwards saw Northwich trying to spread the ball wide at every opportunity, it was good for the spectators to see how much progress the team has made in playing a broad and flowing game. Support running was excellent and offloads and pop passes rarely went to ground. Sam Jones and Archie Love both worked extremely hard throughout the game and the efforts were rewarded with tries. Danny Howman had at outstanding day and is proving to be a very good asset to the Northwich team. Final Score; Northwich 38 Whitchurch 0, Tries Henry Bellis 2, Sam Hunt 2, Sam Jones 1, Archie Love 1, Conversions; Sam Hunt 1, Danny Howman 2, Henry Bellis 1.

Return to fixtures
28th November U11 vs Wilmslow Won 21-0 & Trafford MV Won 28-7 (Wilmslow)
Wilmslow
Northwich had a tough start to the game seeing little or no ball, sticky underfoot and a determined Wilmslow team saw Northwich pinned in their half and defending furiously, backs and forwards stretched left and right across the field. Jordan Bryne and Rys Williams making a number of try saving tackles. At half time Northwich felt they had worked hard with no reward and were frustrated with the lack of ball. They started the second half fired up and were ready to do battle. The forwards were huge, making tackles and driving over the ball, more and more the ball started to move out to the backs, Sam Hunt and Henry Bellis started to get ball and were making in-roads. Forcing a knock-on gave Northwich a scrum which enabled Sam Jones to dart around the blind side and dive over for the first try, breaking the stalemate. Northwich tails were up and they sensed another score was on the cards. Henry Bellis took the ball into the Wilmslow defence he turned in the tackle and off loaded to Sam Jones, a rolling maul was formed and the Northwich forwards rumbled closer to the Wilmslow line, Joe Maddocks gave a massive push enabling Sam Jones to wriggle free and score again. With little time left on the clock the backs started to come to life, Jordan Bryne's jinking run made 35 yards on a very stodgy pitch, Sam Jones picked up the ball and burst through and came close to scoring, Jordan 'Maggot' Dodd forced the defensive Wilmslow kick to skew, new player Jack on the wing caught the ball with his finger tips and was unlucky not to score, good support from Sam Hunt saw him pick the ball up from the tackle and dive over for Northwich's third try. Despite being very heavy underfoot and not having the best of luck from the referee Northwich worked extremely hard and put in a great team performance. Final Score Wilmslow 0 Northwich 21; Tries Sam Jones 2, Sam Hunt 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 3.

Trafford MV
Northwich fielded a mix of the old and new against Trafford and quickly took control, the ground conditions equalising out the differences in the two teams. Northwich were always in control, Joe Maddocks crossing the line after breaking through three tackles. Danny Howman scored in both halves, one while playing in the forwards and one when playing in the backs he showed pace and power and how much versatility he has as a player. Slack tackling and poor clearance of their lines saw Northwich concede only their second try in six games, near the break. The game was finished off with Sam Jones crossing the line from quick ball from the base of the scrum as he dived over beneath the Trafford defence. Good performances from new players Elliott, Jack and Lilly, other great performances today were Jordan 'Maggot' Dodd, Danny Howman, Joe Maddocks, Henry Bellis and Jordan Bryne. Final Score Trafford MV 7 Northwich 28; Tries Danny Howman 2, Joe Maddocks 1, Sam Jones 1, Converstions Sam Hunt 4

Return to fixtures
12th December U11 vs Sandbach Won 19-0 & Warrington Won 33-0 (Home)
Northwich continued their unbeaten run with good wins against Sandbach & Warrington. Northwich famous defence held out again to ensure neither Sandbach or Warrington were able to score. Northwich were always on the attack with tries scored by backs set up by a good platform by the forwards. Northwich scored three tries against Sandbach from Jordan Dodd, Joe Maddocks and Henry Bellis with conversions from Sam Hunt. All four were on the score sheet against Warrington with Man of the match Joe Maddocks prolific with 4 tries, Henry Bellis and Jordan Dodd scoring one each. Sam Hunt and Danny Howley adding conversions.
Return to fixtures

23rd January U11 vs Winnington Park Won 14-0 & Lost 21-7 (Home)
A good start to the New Year saw Northwich under 11's up against local rivals Winnington Park. Northwich started slowly as the Christmas cob webs were blown away, it showed that the team had not trained fully for more than a month. A strong and well drilled Winnington Park team put good forward pressure on the Northwich defence but good tackling saw multi-phased play come to no avail, Winnington Park then started to kick the ball trying to gain ground, this gave the Northwich team some momentum in attack. The turning of the game was tackle of the season from Henry Bellis stopping Winnington's only try scoring opportunity. The stalemate was broken just before half-time as Sam Jones running close to Winnington's defence chipped into space, a beautifully weighted kick bounced close to the touchline, great following up, good hands and a burst of pace saw Matty Beesley cross for the first score. Some early pressure from Winnington after the break forced the Northwich players to work hard and slowly the tide turned, the last ten minutes saw Northwich playing something like their normal dominating power play and were rewarded by a driving maul started by Sam Jones who linked well with Joe Mattocks who was driven over by his supporting forwards, Jordan 'Maggot' Dodd and Archie love. A spirited defence from Winnington Park stopped Northwich scoring a couple more. Another Sam Hunt kicking masterclass as he converted both tries, which takes his season tally to 28 conversions and 1 miss! Final Score Northwich 14 Winnington Park 0, Tries Matty Beesly 1, Joe Maddocks 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 2. A second game was played with a Northwich team made up of mainly new players, a great display from the new guys most notably Elliot, Mike, Simon, Jack and Lilly, who made some great tackles against a strong Winnington Team. Northwich 7, Winnington Park 21 Tries Sam Jones 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 1.
Return to fixtures

6th February U11 vs Chester Won 21-7 & 26-0 (Away)
Northwich under 11's travelled to Chester and found themselves in a very tough encounter. Chester were immediately into their stride from the off and Northwich did not react. The pressure paid off for Chester who opened the scoring with a try and conversion. Northwich did not compete in the first half despite coming close through Joe Maddocks who was held up on the line. Coach Dave Hunt let rip at half time and Northwich were told that unless they started playing their long unbeaten run was rapidly coming to an end. It was a game of two halves, Northwich came out firing on all cylinders, Chester were desperately defending from the start. Two tries disallowed for Joe Maddocks drove the Northwich forwards on, eventually paying off for Maddocks as he crossed the line getting Northwich back into the game. Northwich tails were up and the forwards relished the hard battle up front. Despite being Northwich's smallest forward man of the match Danny Howman was everywhere and Chester found it very difficult to contain him, feeding Joe Maddocks who gave a powerful break then an unstoppable burst of power edging Northwich in front. Sam Jones as with Maddocks earlier in the game crossed the line but was denied a try, he followed up soon after combining with Jordan 'Maggot' Dodd to finish the game off with a third try. Sam Hunt had a good second half in defence and attack he also converted all the tries. Great second half performances from Henry Bellis, Archie Love, Reece Hanley and Tom Sheridan. Final Score; Chester 7 Northwich 21 Tries Joe Maddocks 2, Sam Jones / Maggot Dodd 1 (combined) Conversions Sam Hunt 3.

A second game was played with developing players from both sides, Northwich were in control from the start and some great performances from both old and new players, Jack Vandersteen scored his first try for Northwich, showing good powerful running and determination, Lilly Vandersteen was unlucky not to score twice. Mike Collier showed good pace after receiving an optimistic pass from Sam Jones to score in the corner. Tries from Archie Love and Sam Jones finished off a great day for Northwich. New players are closing the gap between them and the starting line up making selection very difficult and all positions to play for. Final Score; Chester 0 Northwich 26 Tries Jack Vandersteen 1, Mike Collier 1, Archie Love 1, Sam Jones 1, Conversions; Henry Bellis 2, Matty Riddell 1.

Return to fixtures
6th March U11 vs Lymm Won 38-14 (Away)
A confident Northwich under 11's side started well against Lymm, despite not having too much possession from the kick off, fierce tackling drove Lymm back an interception gave Rhys Hanley the chance to sprint in to open the score. A number of great breaks from mid field with dancing side steps from Henry Bellis kept the defence guessing. A knock on from Lymm gave Northwich a scrum 10 metres out. Quick ball from the scrum and tight running saw Sam Jones run in for Northwich's second try as the forwards took control. The rest of the first half saw the Northwich backs and forwards linking well and brave defending from Lymm. At the start of the second half Lymm showed great spirit and drove close to the line from the kick off, Northwich re-grouped and tackled themselves out of danger. Jack Vandersteen and Danny Howman turned over Lymm ball which enabled scrum half Sam Jones to run around the blind side and kick the ball towards the Lymm try line, Jones chasing his own kick gathered with the help of 'Maggot' Dodd, as the forwards arrived 'Maggot' showed great strength driving back a number of Lymm players. Joe Maddocks and Maggot working well together rumbled forward, a sniff off the line and weakness in the defence was exploited by Maddocks as he drove over for Northwich's third. The rest of the game Northwich were happy to defend and conceded a soft try near the end. One of Northwich's best team performances of the season so far, some notable performances Henry Bellis, Tom Sheridan, Maggot Dodd, Rhys Hanley and Rhys Williams. Final Score 21 - 7 Tries, Rhys Hanley 1, Sam Jones ,Joe Maddocks 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 3 A second game was played with combinations of the experience of old and new players, a great performance saw Northwich relax and play some superb rugby, Archie Love was awesome scoring 4 tries and setting up Danny Howman for a try. Mike Gough finished a solid performance by powering over the line near the end of the game. Other good performances from Mike Collier, Simon Dale, Elliot Hitch and Alex Dickinson. Final Score 38 - 14 Tries, Archie love 4 , Danny Howman 1, Mike Gough 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 2, Joe Maddocks 1, Danny Howman 1.

Return to fixtures
13th March U11 at Cheshire Cup Beaten Semi finalists
Despite a passionate performance and being unbeaten Northwich were very unluckly to fail at the semi final stage.

Pool Games
Northwich 4 Congleton 1
Tries Joe Maddocks x3 Sam Jones
Northwich 2 Wilmslow 1
Tries Matty Beesly Joe Maddocks
Northwich 2 Sandbach 0
Tries Sam Jones x2
Northwich 5 Crewe and Nantwich 0
Tries Sam Jones x2 Joe Maddocks Henry Bellis Mathew Beesley
Quarter Final
Northwich 2 Stockport 0
Tries Sam Jones x2
Semi Final
Northwich 1 Caldy 1 (Caldy go through on 1st try scored rule) Tries Jordan Dodd

Return to fixtures

20th March U11 vs Wirral Won 21-14
Northwich travelled to Wirral for their penultimate match of the season. The firm pitch being ideal for fast and running rugby, the initial few minutes were fast and furious, end to end exchanges through fluid back and forward play from both sides. Wirral scored first through some Northwich missed tackles and running out of defenders during the opening exchanges. Northwich responded by upping the pace, a scrum 5 yards out gave scrum half Sam Jones the opportunity to score one of his trade mark tries to level the score. Northwich had 10 minutes of solid possession and put the Wirral defence under immense pressure, the defence was up to the task and despite some superb breaks and twisting runs from Henry Bellis and great support play from the backs Sam Hunt and Archie Love enabled Northwich to move closer to the Wirral line, Sam Jones was held up short, Jordan 'Maggot' Dodd picked up and drove on but was held up again, Sam Hunt in support picked up the ball ran around the blindside for Northwich's second. Just before the end of the first half Wirral made a break and scored in the corner to level the game again. The second half saw Wirral come out firing on all cylinders, Northwich spent most of the second half defending in their 22. Twice Wirral came very close only to be driven back by Tom Sheridan to stop them scoring. The pressure was relieved by Joe Maddocks and Henry Bellis ripping the ball from the Wirral players and outside half Sam Hunt clearing with a perfectly balanced kick which bounced into touch in the Wirral half. Northwich's only spell in the Wirral half resulted in a scrum 5 yds out, it resulted in the now predictable outcome, Sam Jones diving over after a solid scum from he Northwich forwards. It was a hard fought contest and won up front from a crushing forward display from all the Northwich forwards, particularly good performances from Mike Collier, Maggot Dodd and new player Jack Vandersteen's best performance to date. The New centre pairing of Henry Bellis and Archie Love worked well as they pulled the Wirral defence all over the park. Performances of the day were from Sam Hunt who made some huge tackles and Tom Sheridan who stopped two definite try scoring opportunities. Final Score Northwich 21 Wirral 14 , Tries Sam Jones 2, Sam Hunt 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 2, Archie Love 1

Return to fixtures
3rd April U11 vs Wrexham Won 21-7
Northwich faced a well drilled Wrexham side and from the kick off the pace was furious. Northwich defending solidly for the first 5 minutes. It was clear from early on that it was going to be a tough encounter. Northwich found it difficult to settle playing 'Welsh Rules' of non contested scums and no kicking. Wrexham had some good runners and tried to exploit Northwich out wide, one missed tackle saw their winger break through, he look certain to score until Henry Bellis pulled him up short with undoubtedly the best tackle of the season. This period of play encouraged Northwich to dig deep and slowly but surely took control. A break from Maggot Dodd moved them closer to the line, Matty Beesly drove on, he was held up and off loaded well to Danny Howman again passing from the tackle, great support from Sam Hunt who still had some work to do to get down in the corner. A huge effort form the forwards saw them start to gain momentum, Joe Maddocks finished off a classic forwards try to stretch the lead further. Shortly after the break Sam Jones finished the game off, picking the ball from the base of the ruck and running round the outside of the Wrexham defenders to score. Wrexham gained a consolation try late in the game through some slack tackling as the affects of the game took its toll. Northwich deserved winners in a very tough physical encounter, notable performances, Henry Bellis, Sam Hunt, Maggot Dodd, Jack Vandersteen, Rhys Williams. Final Score Northwich 21, Wrexham 7 ; Tries Sam Hunt 1, Joe Maddocks 1, Sam Jones 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 2, Henry Bellis

Return to fixtures
10th April U11 vs Helsby Won 21-7 & St Anslemians Won 14-0
Tries Sam Jones 1, Maggot Dodd , Archie Love 1 Conversions Sam Hunt 3

Return to fixtures
17th April U11 at Whitchurch Festival Losing Finalists
Pool
Northwich 40 Sandbach 0
Tries,Henry Bellis 2, Archie Love 2, Maggot Dodd 1 , Joe Maddocks 1, Matty Beesly 1, Sam Jones 1

Northwich 20 Newport 0
Tries Maggot Dodd 1, Archie Love 1, Henry Bellis 1, Sam Jones 1

Semi Final
Northwich 10 Whitchurch 0
Tries Joe Maddocks 2

Final
Northwich 0 Bridgenorth 5

Return to fixtures