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U12’s Match Reports 2005-6

October 8th U12’s vs Crewe & Nantwich (Away) Won 28-0
Northwich started the game strongly tackling Crewe and Nantwich fiercely. Despite loosing their scrum half early on to a clash of heads Northwich continued to put pressure on the Crewe and Nantwich line. Eventually the pressure told and Joe Maddocks crossed the line to open the scoring. Joe scored again soon after showing his powerful straight and strong running. After a spell of defending following the break, Northwich slowly took control, good communication and some scintillating running from Henry Bellis led to him putting the game out of reach halfway through the second half. Northwich relaxed and a strong five minutes from Crewe and Nantwich had Northwich under pressure on their line, some bone crunching defensive tackles from Sam Jones, Josh Hall, Jamie Hall and Mike Collier stopped a brief Crewe fight back. Joe Maddocks scored easily near the end following a line out from a superb clearance kick resulting from a text book scrum from the Northwich forwards, an accurate pass from Sam Jones to Sam Hunt who had dropped deep to give himself time he sent a spiralling kick 30 yards up the pitch. The Crewe and Nantwich forwards were strong and quick scrummagers and gave the Northwich forwards a lesson in driving over but despite this the whole Northwich team tackled hard and never looked like conceding a try. Other notable performances were from Tom Sheridan, Jordan Byrne and excellent debuts from Will Mitchell, Josh Hall, Jamie Hall and Ryan Kitt who will be valuable assets to the Northwich team this season. Final Score Northwich 28 Crewe and Nantwich 0, Tries Joe Maddocks 3, Henry Bellis 1, Conversations Sam Hunt 4
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October 16th U12’s vs Hoylake (Home) Won 21-14 & 40-0
Northwich under 12's played a big Hoylake team of a mixture of 12's and 13's, despite the size difference Northwich took the game to Hoylake showing good skills from both forwards and backs. Northwich played simple but effective rugby, the forwards drove over securing quick ball the backs were firing on all cylinders linking well and supporting each other. Hoylake were good defenders and when they did get the ball they passed well and were creative in their play. Northwich kept it simple and scored from a penalty, Sam Jones quick tap fed Joe Maddocks he was held up short ,Jack Vandersteen picked up and still with plenty to do drove over to open the scoring. Sam Hunt and Henry Bellis were outstanding in the middle of the field with text book tackling and great support play in attack, as if on the training ground Sam Hunt drew the defender and laid off perfectly weighted passes to the waiting Bellis whose uncompromising powerful running wore down the Hoylake defence. Following another penalty Joe Maddocks drove over from short range to score Northwich's second. To finish of a perfect individual display in the fist half Sam Hunt charged down a defence kick from his opposite number to score a well deserved try. Leading 21 nil at half time Northwich were in complete control. A continuation of the hard work of the first half saw Northwich piling on the pressure, Maggot Dodd clearing out was good and he was strong in attack, Jamie Hall caused Hoylake lots of problems with good defence tackles and strong driving over. Northwich could have scored another four or five tries with Sam Jones, Henry Bellis, Jordan Byrne and Josh Hall all failing to score just short of the line. Hoylake scored two easy tries as Northwich relaxed near the end, the final score flattered Hoylake who were well beaten. Rhys Williams, Tom Sheridan, Mike Collier and Simon Dale all had good strong games.
Final Score Northwich 21 Hoylake 14 Tries J Vandersteen 1, J Maddocks 1, S Hunt , Conversions S Hunt 3

Due to Ellesmere Port not turning up a second game against Hoylake was played.
Northwich continued from the first game and immediately put pressure on a flagging Hoylake team. Jamie Hall opened the scoring with a well deserved try following a great individual performance in both games. Tom Sheridan jinking runs caused Hoylake no end of problems and forced them to knock on in defence. From the set scrum Sam Jones scored his trademark try from the base he picked up quick feet and dived over for his first of the season . Following the Hoylake kick off he was unlucky not to score again after catching the ball he ran through the whole of Hoylake's defensive line and was just pulled up short. After the break the Northwich forwards began to smash big holes in the Hoylake defence, Alex Dickinson had his best game for Northwich so far and played a good driving game, giving Sam Jones the chance to unleash Henry Bellis who side stepped and drove his way through the strong tackles to score his second of the day near the end. Joe Maddocks drove over to score again and Rhys Williams rounded off a very good day for himself with a nicely worked try with some opportunistic running and a strong finish. Great performances from Lily Thorpe, Will Mitchell and Ryan Kitt . Final Score Northwich 40 Hoylake 0 Tries J Hall 1, H Bellis 1, S Jones 1, R Williams 1, S Gough 1, J Maddocks 1 Conversions S Jones 1, J Maddocks 1, J Dodd 1, R Kitt 1, S Gough 1
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October 23rd U12’s vs Wilmslow (Away) Draw 14-14 & Won 14-12
Northwich were up against a tough Wilmslow side on a fresh sunny Sunday morning. It was clear from the start of the match it was going to be a forward grind to secure any possession for either team. Northwich started well and after a number of phases of play looked like they were starting to take early control. Ill discipline saw handling on the ground hand the ball to Wilmslow, while Northwich wandered back Wilmslow were quick taking the penalty and their outside half ran in a big open space for an easy score.

Northwich backs grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and tackled Wilmslow back in various attacks Sam Hunt continuing as he started this season with huge tackles on the fringes. Henry Bellis had a number of jinking runs almost scoring after running 25 yards in and out of defenders, a side step too far took him into retreating defenders. A clearance kick from Wilmslow's full back was lost by Northwich but Jack Vandersteen and Josh Hall cleared out well enabling Sam Jones to steal the ball, a rolling maul was formed and moved half the length of the field, Mike Collier and Maggot Dodd supported as Sam drove on. Forcing a scrum 5 yards out lifted the Northwich players who were still reeling from the Wilmslow score. From the base of the scrum Sam Jones was able to scoot around the open side, he was held up by keen defence. Joe Maddocks, Maggot and Jack Vandersteen drove him forward, he wriggled free and levelled the score just before half time. The game continued as the first half, a big forward battle, both teams trying to exploit few chances. As the teams tired a tactical kicking game developed and play moved from end to end. Another unnecessary penalty and slow reactions led to a quick tap and Wilmslow were in again to regain the lead. Henry Bellis levelled the score soon after with a typically powerful run and good vision. Northwich had a scare right at the end as Wilmslow were unlucky not to score from a charged down clearance kick, Jack Vandersteen touching the ball down just before Wilmslow. A tough game and both sides worked extremely hard for the draw. Northwich put in a great team performance and the whole of the team had worked hard and supported each other well. Final Score Northwich 14 Wilmslow 14, Tries: Sam Jones 1, Henry Bellis 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 2

A second game was played with newer players from Wilmslow. Although tired from the first game some good performances saw Northwich just win. Final Score Northwich 14 Wilmslow 12, Tries: Sam Jones 1, Henry Bellis 1, Sam Hunt 2
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November 13th U12’s vs Liverpool Collegiate (Away) Won 21-14
Northwich travelled to unknown opposition at Liverpool Collegiate on a sunny fresh Sunday morning. The game started slowly with both sides making some basic mistakes in the opening 5 minutes. Northwich struggled to maintain possession, with the ball being turned over time again, only superb tackling from Henry Bellis and Sam Jones stopping Liverpool taking an early lead. Joe Maddocks had a few good runs but due to lack of support the ball was lost again and Northwich had to defend furiously from the Liverpool counter attacks, good defence from Tom Sheridan and Jamie Hall.

Following a Liverpool knock-on, Northwich picked up the pace their forwards and backs linked well resulting in Joe busting over for the opening score.

Northwich relieved and happy to end the half in the lead. The second half saw Northwich playing like a different team and forward power play driving them down the field. Sam Hunt kicking well out of hand and good following up put the Liverpool full back under pressure. Liverpool being caught unawares by Sam Hunt's quick thinking and bravery as he dove at the fullbacks feet charging down the kick and placing the ball down for the score. Northwich felt in control of the game and were confident to defend and attack as opportunities arose. Liverpool made the most of an attack and despite some brave tackling from Rhys Williams could not stop the Liverpool score. Liverpool picked up their game and forced the Northwich defence to be stretched across the field, Lily Thorpe although out numbered and a lot smaller than the Liverpool forwards held up an overlap long enough for support to arrive and put the Liverpool prop into touch. The line out gave the Northwich forward juggernaut enough forward momentum to drive a rolling maul right up to the Liverpool line, Joe Maddocks finishing off with his second score. A scare at the end of the game when Liverpool scored from a sloppy defensive kick charge down. Northwich running out deserved winners in the end, Jordan 'Maggot' Dodd having his best game this season, other notable performances from Lily Thorpe, Tom Sheridan, Jamie Hall and Rhys Williams. Final Score Northwich 21 Liverpool Collegiate 14, Tries Joe Maddocks 2, Sam Hunt 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 3.
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November 27th U12’s vs Helsby (Away) Won 28-7 & 42-0
Northwich travelled to Helsby on a very cold Sunday morning. Northwich started well and never let up the pressure on Helsby, Joe Maddocks opened the scoring with a typically powerful individual run, finally busting over the line. Northwich crossed a further 2 times but were held up on both occasions. Henry Bellis making many yards time after time with a mixture of power runs and light-footed spins and side steps. Henry was very unlucky and another try disallowed due to the referee not being able to see the touch down. Joe Maddocks scored before the break with another run from the halfway line breaking tackle after tackle to cross the line again. Despite good individual performances all round the Northwich team were a bit lack lustre in the first half. After the break the story was much the same as the first, Helsby made Northwich think with a quick try with little defence being offered. Northwich then picked the pace up some better linking between the forwards and backs saw Helsby defending time after time. A scrum 5 after one attack saw Northwich finish off the game with scrum-half Sam Jones running round the blind side to dive over killing off the game.

Sam scored again at the end of the game with good support from Tom Sheridan. Northwich were always in control with a excellent display from the whole team as individuals, in particular Will Mitchell, Mike Collier, Jack Vandersteen and Jamie Hall. When Northwich click together they will be a formidable force. Final Score Northwich 28, Helsby 7, Tries Joe Maddocks 2, Sam Jones 2, Conversions Sam Hunt 4.

A second game was played with a mixture of Helsby new players against Northwich old and new, Northwich played very well scoring at will. Some great performances from Lily Thorpe following her impressive show against Liverpool last week she scored her first try this season with a break and some powerful running to burst over the line and dive to score. Other good performances from Danny Stevenson, Mike Gough and Alex Dickinson. Final Score Northwich 42, Helsby 0, Tries Henry Bellis 2, Joe Maddocks 1, Sam Jones 1, Tom Sheridan 1, Lily Thorpe 1 Conversions Lily Thorpe 1, Henry Bellis 1, Sam Hunt 1, Joe Maddocks 1, Will Mitchell , Tom Sheridan 1..
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December 11th U12’s vs Congleton (Home) Won 49-21 & 21-5
Northwich 12's faced a big Congleton side who were keen to take revenge after being beaten in the Cheshire Cup last year. From the off both sets of forwards were physical and determined to hold on to the ball, strong defence from Congleton after Northwich stretched the ball wide after retaining the ball from multiphased play. Sam Hunt keeping the defence guessing by some creative thinking passing then kicking and keeping the ball in hand. Jack Vandersteen and Joe Maddocks headed up the forward battle with some excellent support from Simon Dale and Mike Collier, with hooker Jordan 'Maggot' Dodd keeping the Congleton team under pressure with his short powerful spinning runs. Sam Jones opened the scoring running off the base of the scrum, smashing one player out of the way and diving underneath another. The Congleton pack took advantage of the Northwich kick-off and came right back scoring after a set piece scrum. The game continued in a tense game of attack and defence, some superb running from the Northwich backs Will Mitchell, Tom Sheridan, Jamie Hall all causing problems. Mid field general Henry Bellis causing damage every time he had the ball in his hands, only brave defence holding him up. His defence as always breathtaking, one tackle not only taking out a Congleton winger but two memebrs of the Congleton supporters. Northwich took the lead again in the last seconds of the first half with a rolling maul crossing the line in a pile of players, underneath Sam Jones being able to touch down.

Soon after the break Joe Maddocks smashed his way through to score his trade mark try. Northwich were able to stretch the lead further with Sam Jones scoring again after stealing the ball from the Congleton put in to the scrum. Following a defensive kick Congleton were able to score to narrow the gap. Northwich upped the pace again and some back to basics rugby of forward power, and slick passing from the backs, Sam Hunt pulling defensive players away from attackers and off loading to Henry Bellis and Tom Sheridan who were running perfect attacking lines. Full back Rhys Williams coming into attack from deep kept the Congleton defence on there toes and were finally stretched too far as Joe Maddocks crossed again. Sam Jones scored his forth of the day after passing the ball through the Northwich backs then receiving the ball on the wing. Congleton responded again to narrow the gap to 3 tries again. To finish off a good day at the office the Northwich forwards powered their way to the Congleton line, Jack Vandersteen unlucky not to score, he off-loaded well to Maggot Dodd who drove his way over the line to finish off the game. Notable performances from Mike Collier, Henry Bellis, Jamie Hall, Sam Jones and Sam Hunt whose kicking and passing were excellent. Final Score Northwich 49 Congleton 21, Tries Sam Jones 4, Joe Maddocks 2, Maggot Dodd 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 7

Second Game, Northwich had a mix of experience in the second game and played as good as the first game superb ball skills form forwards and backs. Sam Jones and Henry Bellis showing their class with good individual scores. Mike Collier had to cross the line three times before he was able to touch down for a try, knocking on in his previous two attempts, he had his best game for Northwich today supporting well and tackling anything in front of him. Lily Thorpe was unlucky not to score on two occasions and put in a huge hit on a Congleton player to drive him off the ball. Players did well in a mix of positions and the newer players are developing well. Final Score Northwich 21 Congleton 5, Tries Sam Jones 1, Henry Bellis 1, Mike Collier 1 Conversions Henry Bellis 3

Northwich had their best team performance of the season against class opponents.
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January 15th U12’s vs Chester (Away) Lost 14-19
 From the very start of the game Chester were up to the challenge putting huge amounts of pressure on the Northwich under 12's. Fierce tackling held Chester from the line in the first few minutes of the game. Northwich backs were stretched in defence and Chester opened the score, running in wide through the Northwich defence. They scored again soon after to put themselves in the driving seat. The first half ended with Northwich offering little to stop the rampant Chester team. The second half saw a different Northwich team take to the field and they quickly put pressure back on Chester. Sam Jones feisty running and Sam Hunt's quick hands gave Henry Bellis the opportunity to skip and dodge across the line to open the scoring. Northwich's tails were up and back they came at Chester, Maggot Dodd huge in attack and defence, supported well by Jack Vandersteen who put his body on the line time after time. Northwich were rewarded with another score Sam Jones popping the pass to Maggot Dodd who powered over running in close to the ruck. Sam Hunt kicked the conversion to put Northwich in front by 2 points. Nearing the end of the game Chester scored from a scrum, sloppy tackling left gaps which were exploited, advantage swung back to Chester. Feeling the game slipping away Northwich made a last gasp effort to claim glory, Sam Jones with support from Maggot Dodd convinced that they had scored were denied in the last play of the game. Notable performances from Henry Bellis, Maggot Dodd and Jamie Hall. Final Score Northwich 14 Chester 19 Tries H Bellis, J Dodd, Conversions S Hunt 2.


January 15th U12’s vs Macclesfield (Away) Won 28-21
Starting the next game Northwich seemed to have gone back to sleep, Macclesfield scoring two easy tries early on, history was repeating itself. Henry Bellis grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and made big tackles to drive the Macclesfield players back. A superb break from Sam Hunt saw him charge down and put pressure on his opposite number to score. Joe Maddocks with ball in hand was unstoppable and scored twice to edge Northwich in front. Maggot Dodd sealed the win with another great display feeding from Henry Bellis's pass to power over. Northwich let another score in but held on to be deserved winners. Notable performances from Henry Bellis, Joe Maddocks, Rhys Williams and Will Mitchell. Final Score Northwich 28 Macclesfield 21, Tries J Maddocks 2, S Hunt 1, J Dodd 1, Conversions S Hunt 4.

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January 22nd U12’s vs Warrington (Away) Won 14-7
A bare Northwich team took to the field on a sunny Sunday morning, still reeling from the defeat last week, they wanted to take early control, the forwards feeling they had something to prove. Warrington were a big well organised team and Northwich were equal in ability and stature. Joe Maddocks looked dangerous and opened the scoring by powering over from 10 metres out. Although seemingly in control Northwich found it difficult to stretch the lead. Sustained attacks from Warrington were held out by great tackling from the Northwich backs Tom Sheridan and Jamie Hall. Some good individual play from Maggot Dodd, Sam Hunt and Sam Jones kept Warrington guessing. Despite this Warrington levelled the score and the game was there for the taking. Half way through the second half Joe Maddocks secured the lead again with a great solo effort powering over for the score. Frantic defending held Warrington out, Sam Jones with two try saving tackles to stop the game slipping away. Notable performances from Sam Jones, Sam Hunt, Maggot Dodd, Rhys Williams, Alex Dickenson and Jamie Hall. Final Score Northwich 14 Warrington 7, Tries Joe Maddocks 2, Conversions Sam Hunt 2.

January 22nd U12’s vs Aspatria (Away) Won 33-14
Northwich were showing signs of a tough first encounter as they played a small but very quick Aspatria side. Jack Vandersteen, in the defenders faces opened the score after charging down a clearance kick. Joe Maddocks opened a gap between the teams by scoring, powering his way through early on. Northwich relaxed to their peril with very quick and slippery running from the Aspatria backs saw them score twice. Size and experience told in the end with Mike Gough, Josh Hall and Simon Dale controlling the forward battle. This gave Joe Maddocks the opportunity to stretch his legs again to sprint in from 5 metres to score his second. Sam Jones controlled the game well, he bossed the forwards telling them when to release and setting the backs in motion, Tom Sheridan and Jamie Hall marshalling the defence and attack. Sam kept the defenders guessing with some sniping breaks and then scored a try from the base of the scrum. Great kicking from Rhys Williams and Sam Hunt relieved pressure when required. Mike Collier and Maggot Dodd playing out of position in the backs were superb running defensively and attacking. Joe Maddocks who had an awesome day, finished the game with yet another mighty run in from 7 metres from a Northwich lineout. Northwich relieved to be back in control. Notable performances from Sam Jones, Maggot Dodd, Tom Sheridan and Joe Maddocks. Final Score Northwich 33 Aspatria 14 Tries J Maddocks 3, J Vandersteen 1, Sam Jones 1, Conversions S Hunt 4

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February 5th U12’s vs Caldy (Home) Won 28-12 & 49-7
Northwich played Caldy, the teams meeting previously in the semi finals of the Cheshire Cup for the last two years running, with honours even it was going to be a tough encounter. Caldy came straight at Northwich from the off, Northwich defended well and held their position, but found it difficult to get out of their half. Caldy threw the ball around trying to find a hole in the Northwich defence, great tackling from forwards and backs kept Caldy out. Quick ball saw them come close to the line, Maggot Dodd's all enveloping tackle wrapped up the attacker to keep him out and secure the ball for a defensive scrum. Northwich lost the scrum and pressure was immediately put back on the defence. Maggot Dodd again stopped the score, Sam Jones's box kick relieved the pressure. Northwich reverted to kicking out of hand to try to force the attack, Jamie Hall and Henry Bellis putting pressure on a very good Caldy fullback. The tension was broken and after recycling the ball three times a lone runner from and rolling maul was able to scamper over for the score to put Caldy into the lead. Northwich came right back following the kick off Henry Bellis smashed his way through and passed out of the tackle Will Mitchell who had been tackling superbly was awesome with ball in hand stepping and driving on. Caldy handled on the floor and gave Northwich a penalty 10 metres out. Maggot Dodd took the ball and was hit by a big Caldy tackle, despite this he was not phased and was able to pass the ball to Joe Maddocks who drove over to level the scores at the end of a very entertaining first half. Northwich came out fired up after the break putting pressure on the Caldy defence. Henry Bellis passing to Jack Vandersteen who moved 15 metres to inside the Caldy 22, the ball went to ground and Caldy knocked on. Sam Jones put into the scrum and picked up a quick delivery, sniping down the bind side, stepping inside the covering tackle and driving the full back out of the way he touched down in the corner to edge Northwich in front. Cadly were shell shocked and soon after Northwich were back on their line attacking with venom, Sam Jones huge tackle on the Caldy scrum half led to the ball being knocked back the ball across the try line, Mike Collier in support pounced to put Northwich ahead even further with 10 mins still to play. Northwich were hungry and backs Tom Sheridan and Will Mitchell were hunting down every ball. Rhys Williams had some great runs back at Caldy after they had kicked clear. The forwards were in complete control and Mike Gough was superb in attack and defence with his best ever game for Northwich. Northwich scored again following a turnover, Jack Vandersteen steeling the ball, Sam Jones picked up and drove on, Maggot Dodd and Joe Maddocks in support. Sam Jones handed the ball to Joe Maddocks who burst from the side of the maul to cross again. Northwich switched off for the last 6 minutes and Caldy scored two quick tries in the final moments of the game. A great team performance against class opposition. Final Score Northwich 28, Caldy 21, Tries Joe Maddocks 2, Sam Jones 1, Mike Collier 1, Conversions Sam Hunt 4

A second game was played against Caldy's second team. This gave the opportunity to experiment with players in different positions. Rhys Williams was excellent at scrum half and was rewarded with a solo effort try, dodging two tackles and busting over for the try. Sam Jones scored soon after receiving a nicely weighted pass from Henry Bellis. Mike Collier finished off a fine day scoring again supporting Simon Dale who drove through to set up the try. Caldy scored in the last play of the first half. Early in the second half Lily Thorpe made a try saving tackle to remind Northwich they were still in a game. The forwards picked up the pace, Alex Dickinson was good in attack and defence, his tackle spilled the ball, Danny Stevenson picked up and eventually Henry Bellis was able to break clear and skip his way through to score. His centre partner Jamie Hall crossing soon after, following some superb support play. Jordan Maggot Dodd completed a now typically good day by crossing for the final score. Notable performances Josh Hall, Lily Thorpe, Mike Gough and Alex Dickenson. Final Score Northwich 49, Caldy 7 Tries, Rhys Williams 1, Sam Jones 1, Henry Bellis 1, Mike Collier 1, Joe Maddocks 1, Jamie Hall 1, Jordan Dodd 1. Conversions Sam Hunt 5 Henry Bellis 1, Jordan Dodd 1.