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U15’s Match Reports 2007-9 The second half proceeded as the first half did. Northwich again the dominant side. Great play was followed by a Tom Richards try. Again Sam Gough had his kicking boots on and comfortably converted the try. (28 – 7) Northwich pressed on, Ashley Brown playing a storming game helped Northwich to complete a further try, which was driven over the line by Nathan Jefford. A further conversion followed by Sam Gough. (35 – 7) Further strong tacking and excellent passing skills provided a further try, which was brilliantly driven over by Nathan Jefford. Unfortunately Sam Gough failed to convert. (40 – 7) Mid way through the half, Northwich eased off the gas, which in turn allowed Crewe and Nantwich to play. They took advantage of the situation and got a hard fought try. Unfortunately for Crewe and Nantwich, their kicker failed to convert. (40 – 12) The resulting try geared Northwich back into action. Some great interplay, running and tacking eventually saw Gavin Vaughan and Josh McCormick score a further 2 tries taking the final score to 50 -12. Overall Northwich’s performance was worthy of the score line, with all players playing their part in an excellent result. The only minus from the game was two players suffering minor injuries which saw them substituted. Jamie Sweeney tweaked a thigh muscle and Adam Jones sustained a nosebleed. Northwich dominated both halves with good interplay, tackling hard, excellent passing and a good back line. Crewe and Nantwich found it difficult to get into the game. Their tackling was poor, and they lacked confidence in scrums. Man of the match: Ashley Brown Players used:
October 14th U15’s vs Wilmslow (Away) Lost 56-0 However an early try and conversion from Wilmslow caught the lads napping. (7 -0) Although early play was contained in the Wilmslow half, the home side played well, passing and tackling. Northwich were at times caught in sixes and sevens. Although Northwich had some penalties, no advantage was gained. Wilmslow ended the half 27 points to Northwich’s nil. By the time the Second half kicked off, the Northwich lads had let their heads go down. Despite the encouragement from Mike Penny, Dave Jefford, Adam Bowness and all the supporters who came to watch Northwich nothing could be done to lift the team’s moral. Wilmslow took Northwich apart with excellent passing and great tackling, everything Northwich never had. In the end, despite Northwich arriving at the Memorial Ground on the back of two fantastic wins, their performance and desire was questionable. This was a shame for all the hard work being put it by the training staff and the effort made by the parents to support the team. The final score finished and embarrassing 56 - 0. Man of the match: Sam Davy Players used:
October 28th U15’s vs Leigh (Away) Lost 39-0 Northwich again came out of the starting blocks well, winning the Leigh’s first scrum. Good tackling from Northwich early on and excellent kicking from Tom held Leigh at bay. Unfortunately for Northwich, they did not maintain their early dominance of the game and quickly succumb to an early try and conversion from Leigh. (7 – 0) Leigh quickly took control of the game, despite Northwich players working hard. An unfortunate incident involving a Northwich player (name withheld) whereby he collided with the upright, which quickly resulted in, Leigh spreading the play and scoring a second try. Luckily for Northwich, the kicker failed to convert. (12 – 0). Just before half time, another try (missed conversion) was completed by Leigh taking the halftime score to 17 – 0. During the second half Northwich played with gusto and spirit. Their tackling improved, and passing was good. The one area of the game, which let Northwich down, was the poor lineouts. Northwich almost lost all of them. This put the team under pressure each time. Even with the extra effort expended by the players, Leigh managed to score a further four tries and one conversion taking the final score to 39 – 0. At the end of the game, although the team lost, there were many positives to take away from the game. Northwich battled hard, especially during the second half, and the coaching team believes if they keep up the excellent work rate and work ethic, then surely the results will follow. Man of the match: Tom Richards Players used:
November 4th U15’s vs Sandbach (Home) Lost 49-7 Northwich kicked off, and played some good rugby early on. They had learnt from recent mistakes, which had cost them dearly in previous matches. They tackled well and passed the ball between them. Tom clearly had his kicking boots on as he thumped the ball up field with excellent distribution. This early play by Northwich was disrupted by a silly mistake, which resulted in Sandbach getting an early penalty just in front of the Northwich posts. Sandbach duly stepped forward and took the early points. (0 – 3) Sandbach followed this early penalty with some good play. Their passing was good and they moved the ball from either side of the pitch with ease. This resulted in Sandbach scoring two further tries, and one conversation. (0 – 15) The play was now ebbing and flowing between both teams. Northwich showed some excellent spirit and determination. Some great play from Northwich lead to Jonny Reilly carrying the ball over the line. Tom Richards stepped up, struck the ball well and completed the conversion. (7 – 15) The second half carried on as the first had finished. Northwich battled well, but the superior flowing play of Sandbach finally opened up the Northwich defence. (7 – 22) Despite a spirited performance from Northwich and some excellent rucks and tackling Sandbach continued to drive home, completing a further five tries and one conversion. (7 – 49) Northwich were given a late scare when Jake Beirne was substitued after a heavy tackle left him feeling dazed. Although Northwich sustained another heavy defeat, the coaching team were buoyed by their spirit and performance. Improvements have been made, and the team were starting to play as one. It was agreed by all that the result withstanding, this performance was probably Northwich’s best to date. Man of the match: Zac Anderson Players used:
November 18th U15’s vs Rhyl (Home) Won 49-0 Northwich started well, and controlled the game from the off. The first half action was played mainly in the opponents half. Rarely did Rhyl look like producing a passing sequence, which would trouble Northwich and lead to Rhyl scoring. This was testament to Northwich, who tackled with vigor, passed fluently, and kicked strongly. Jonny Reilly scored Northwich’s first try, which was the result of some excellent play. Unfortunalty Tom Richards kicked well, but failed to reach the mark (5 – 0). Another two tries followed, Gavin Vaughan driving over the line for both. These tries were the result of some excellent teamwork from the Northwich players (15 – 0). By now Northwich had total control of the game, and their confidence grew and grew. The more Northwich played the more Rhyl looked disjointed. This great play led to another 2 tries, scored by Josh McCormick and Gavin Vaughan. The half-time score was 25 – 0. Luckily for Rhyl, Northwich failed to pick up any points from the conversions in the first half. The Northwich steam train continued to roll on throughout the second half. Rhyl scarcely had the ball before great tackling from Northwich took possession and continued to make Rhyl pay for their poor play. A further try scored in the second half was completed after an excellent run by Nathan Jefford (30 – 0). Tom Richards solo effort earned him an excellent try. Nathan Jefford kicked well to score the conversion (37 – 0). Although the weather had started to turn Northwich’s performance went from strength to strength. Jonny Reilly powered over the line to take the score to 42 – 0. Rhyl tried in vain to come back at Northwich. However during one of Rhyl’s line outs, Chris van Deursen leaped like a salmon in front of them to win the ball. This bravery was all Josh McCormick needed to score another try (47 – 0). Chris Southern calmly slotted the ball between the posts to pick up the further 2 points. Final score was 49 – 0. This was a thoroughly deserved win for the boys in black, and a certain confidence booster for the upcoming cup match in 2 weeks time. Man of the match: Jake Beirne Players used:
November 25th U15’s vs Macclesfield (Home) Lost 55-0 Although Northwich were on the receiving end of a 55 to 0 thrashing, there were some positives to take away from the game. The scummaging was excellent with Kyle Bacegalupo playing a good part. Northwich rucks were also contested well, dispossessing Macclesfield on a couple of occasions. The result may have been poor, but Northwich must now put this to bed and concentrate on the tough tie with Wilmslow in the Cheshire Cup next Sunday. If they take all their positives from the previous weeks, this game should be a cracker! Good Luck Blacks! January 13th U15’s vs Ashton-on-Mersey (Home) Lost 45-7 Northwich started well, and battled hard, the blacks winning all the scrummages in the first 20 minutes of play. Pudsey notably diving on any balls that broke free from open play. Ashton-on-Mersey played well, with some imaginative play and managed to score two tries and conversions within the first 10 minutes. (0 – 14) Northwich battled back and some great interplay saw Tom Richards lay off a great pass that was received by Gavin Vaughan. Gavin took the opportunity and dived over the try line for Northwich's only try of the game. Tom Richards kicked the conversion. (7 – 14) Unfortunately for Northwich the try and conversion seemed to rattle Ashton-on-Mersey. They upped their game. Their interplay was stunning. This left Northwich second best to everything. Northwich battled hard but succumb to a further two tries and one conversion (7 – 26) half time. The second half was a reply of the first. The blacks trying to play rugby, only to be out played by a very good visiting side. Northwich were caught napping late on in the game when a penalty was given and they failed to be ten yards back. This disappointed the coach, after all their hard work. Further tries from Ashton only added to Northwich’s New Year pain. To compound Northwich’s woes both Tom Richards and Ashley Brown sustained injuries during the final few minutes of the game. Both players receiving a warm round of applause from both sets of fans during their substitution. Final score (7 – 45). Although the result was poor, Mike Penny commented on some good play that saw Northwich control some areas of today’s game. Northwich’s enemy today was not the opposition but their own poor organisation. Northwich were joined today by another new player. Aslan Saboohi who played well on his debut. Man of the match: Jordan Barton Players used:
January 20th U15’s vs Hoylake (Home) Won 38-22 Northwich started well, producing some great passing sequences. The blacks defense was greatly improved and the visitors had problems trying to get through. Northwich worked well as a team using the entire pitch passing the ball from side to side, winning a high percentage of the scrums and showing determination when tackling. Issac McClellan scored his first try for Northwich, which was the result of some excellent play. Tom Richards kicked well, but failed to reach the mark (5 – 0). Northwich showed better passing skills, which allowed Nathan Jefford to collect the ball and run over the line. Tom Richards put the previous miss behind him and calmly kicked the conversion. (12-0). Hoylake tried to fight back and scored a try but unfortunately were unable to convert. Northwich soon struck back with Jonny Reilly pouncing on a ball that leaked out of the side of a scrummage. He proceeded to run this over the line with vigor. Tom stepped up to the mark once more and converted easily. Hoylake managed to score two more tries in the run up to the end of the first half but were unable to convert (19-15). Northwich started the second half with the same presence as they finished the first. Their attitude and confidence was growing play by play and showed when Nathan Jefford took control again catching good passes which resulted in two further tries. Again Tom had his kicking boots on and placed the ball between the two posts. Even though Hoylake were looking disjointed they still managed to score two more tries. (31-20). Northwich were not giving up easily and proved that they were the better team on the day. After taking back the control of the game Tom Richards got hold of the ball and took the oppitunity to improve on Northwichs score. He chipped the ball over Hoylakes defense, collected it and put it over the line. Tom again converted. (38-20). Hoylake were not giving up and scored the last try and conversion of the game. (38-22). Man of the match: Tom Richards Players used:
February 3rd U15’s vs Stockport (Home) Lost 32-12 Cheshire Plate Stockport took this on board and came back fighting. Even though Northwich took heart and fought on they let Stockport back into the game. Stockport played to their advantages and took control of the first half, they passed well and tackled with vigor, carrying the ball over the line 3 times and converting once. 5-18. The Blacks didn’t let this worry them and played well with some great moves coming from their scrimmaging. Nathan Jefford succeeded in scoring a great second try by catching a good pass and running up the wing. Tom Richards stepped up to the mark and kicked into the wind. This time finding the right path through the posts. 12-18. Stockport fought back to bring the first half score to 12-23. Northwich started the second half with determination but didn’t seem to be able to finish off any of their runs. Most of the play took place in Stockport’s half with the blacks passing and tackling well. They held up Stockport’s drives and intercepted their passes but to no avail. Stockport managed to get the ball and run through Northwich’s defense a further 2 times. The blacks only compensation was they failed to convert. Final score was 12-32. The blacks went into this match with pride as this was the furthest they had ever got in the competition. However, even though they walked off the field losers of the match they should still hold there heads high and look to the future. Man of the match: Brad Bates Players used:
March 2nd U15’s vs Whitchurch (Home) Lost 44-5 If it wasn’t for the wind, playing conditions would have been ideal. Northwich commenced play and proceeded to loose ground instantly, Whitchurch passing the ball fluently. A couple of early tries were conceded. Luckily for Northwich, the kicker failed to convert either. Play was not helped especially for Northwich by a referee who could best be described as having artistic licence on some of his decisions with regards to the state of play. Many of his calls flummoxed both players and spectators. I’ve not seen so much head scratching by so many people since the last outbreak of head lice! A further two tries and one conversion ended the first half 22 – 0. Northwich battled hard through the second half and towards the final quarter showed some of their better qualities. The blacks found some form, which unfortunately was missing for most of the game. This excellent play cumulated in Gavin Vaughan diving over the line for the blacks only try. Having the wind blowing into his face, Tom Richards failed to convert the kick. Whitchurch played very well in the second half scoring a further 4 tries and one conversion. Making it a comfortable 44 – 5 victory. Northwich need to regroup from the defeat and practice hard on the training ground. The hard work and a good team spirit will prevail and the results should surely follow. Captain: Nathan Jefford Scorers: Tries: Gavin Vaughan Scorers: Conversions: Star Player: Bradley Bates Chump of the Match: Referee Return to fixtures Once the whistle had blown to signal the start of the second half, Knutsford came out fighting. This spirited fight back was not helped by the poor lethargic performance from the blacks. Northwich allowed Knutsford to attack them, and they duly paid the price when Knutsford finally scored 2 tries and a conversion (17 – 17). These tries jolted Northwich, and they upped their game. The scales were evenly balanced until Jonny Reilly’s excellent run up field produced the try of the game. Again the kicking was poor and Northwich failed to take the points (17 – 22). Once again the blacks seemed intent on imploding and let Knutsford come back at them. Knutsford clearly had the desire to win this game and it finally showed when they won a deserved try bringing the scores level. (22 – 22). With only minutes left, some silly play from the blacks allowed Knutsford a penalty kick right in front of goal. This kick was converted and the game was won. (25 – 22). Northwich had one last flurry, but the ref called time, and Northwich slumped to their 3rd defeat in a row. Captain: Gavin Vaughan Scorers: Tries: Tom Richards, Jonny Reilly (2), Nathan Jeffords Scorers: Conversions: Tom Richards (1) Star Player: Chump of the Day: April 4th-6th U15’s International Tournament (Ireland) Won 38-0 We departed Moss farm, along with the u16`s contingent, late Thursday night catching the 02.40 Friday ferry out of Holyhead. We arrived at our hotel, the Commodre in Cobh at lunchtime on the Thursday. The rest of the day being for the lads to dispose of as they saw fit. Saturday Moving through the knockout stages Northwich eventually faced Paisley in the final of the Shield.Paisley were another large well drilled side with numerous coaching staff and an abundance of supporters. A single score from Tom Richards, although a 2nd Northwich score was disallowed, was enough to seal the victory. The lads really messed up Paisleys tactics in the 2nd half, continually forcing lineouts and scrums thereby forcing Paisley to play against our strong pack, starving them of possession thereby not allowing their backs to run the ball. Job done, the lads, showing some true club spirit, immediately went over to support the 16`s who were also playing for the shield, which they eventually won.The trophy, a fine glass shield, was a justified reward for the effort put in by the whole u15`s squad, not only in this tournament but throughout the whole season. I must admit myself and Mike took this tour with some trepidation, however, our concerns turned out to be unfounded. Apart from a couple of minor misdemeanors, mainly due to high spirits, the conduct of the guys was a credit, not only to the club but to the team as a whole. Our thanks go out to all the parents and families, many of whom flew out, for their support and assistance during the tournament. The whole squad would like to saw a big thank you, once again, to Ken Houghton for organising everything and making the whole tour possible. All we need to do now is decide where to go next year !!!! April 27th U15’s vs Crewe & Nantwich (Home) Northwich kicked off and harassed the opposition from the start. The game ebbed and flowed early on, but Northwich never looked under pressure. Good tackling and scrimmaging finally paid off when Chris van Deursen dived across the line to earn Northwich their first points. (5 – 0) Tom Richards stepped up, but the conversion proved difficult. Another dominant performance followed during the second half. Northwich destroyed Crewe & Nantwich with their tackling (Jake Beirne stopping several attacks from the visitors), played with confidence as a team and played well for each other. The tries came thick and fast, Jonny Reilly (2), Jonathan Alarcon Fuentes, Tom Richards and Sam Hughes all took the ball over the line. A further 4 conversions (Tom Richards (2), Josh McCormack) took the final score to 38 – 0. Finally the Blacks gave the supporters something to shout about. There have been some disappointing results recently, so it was nice to end the season on a high. Captain: Jonny Reilly Scorers: Tries: Christopher van Deursen, Jonny Reilly (2), Jonathan Alarcon Fuentes, Tom Richards and Sam Hughes Scorers: Conversions: Tom Richards and Josh McCormack Star Player: Jonathan Alarcon Fuentes Chump of the Match: The Weather! |