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Rugby Union Football Club
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Under 15's Match Reports 2009-10

U15’s Match Reports 2009-10

September 20th U15’s vs Caldy (Home) Lost 46-14
The first match of the 2009-10 season saw the Under 15’s line up against a strong Caldy side that were last seasons Cheshire cup winners. Caldy were a good side, with strong fast running and well drilled backs, and a big set of strong forwards. Northwich lined up with 5 new players in the squad and some experimental playing positions.

The result was deserved by Caldy who scored some nice tries and played well for the full game; however it does not reflect the effort and commitment shown by the Northwich players, a much improved performance from last season with the lads taking some training ground moves in to the game with great results. The Northwich scrum started brightly and pushed Caldy off the ball not losing any of our own scrums during the whole game, the lineout however was another matter. This is an area we new we would be weak and will be the focus of the next few training sessions – the Caldy second row won all the ball in every lineout which gave Caldy a great platform from which to attack.

The Northwich backs looked good in attack with 2 well taken tries from Man of the Match Tom Price, some great counter attacks from Dalian at fullback and good hands, elusive running and strong defence from Connor in his first match at centre and also leading the team as Captain. The forwards also stepped up to the level of Caldy with first up tackles being made by the whole pack, notable performances from Tackler of the Match Reese Parry and great games from Tom Sparkes and Tom Phillips. The new boys in the team for this season also made their mark with fly half Harry and prop Charles on for the full match, back rower Sam, scrum half Harley and wingman Craig all made appearances off the bench. All five new players had a positive impact on the team and will be assets for this season.

One massive improvement from last season was due to the fact Northwich had no passengers in the squad, every one played their part and did their best, putting in massive effort, and although this time the result did not go our way, future matches will see more improvement from the team and undoubtedly wins. We need to work on our lineout, more defensive work and ensure we continue to dominate teams in the scrums and attack with intent.

Tries Tom Price (2)
Conversions Tom Sparkes (2)

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September 27th U15’s vs Rhyl (Away) Won 34-27
The Under 15’s entertained Rhyl in the first match between these two sides for nearly 4 years.

Northwich have made great improvements over the summer and worked hard in training which resulted in a good performance last week but saw us on the wrong side of a 40 v 14 points loss. The spirit within the team is still high, and the improvements have given the lads a sense of pride in their game and ability. This shone through in Sunday’s game which was a hotly contested match with both sides wanting to run the ball and play attacking rugby.

Within the first two minutes it was clear that if Northwich played to their potential then a win was well within their grasp, what was needed was a quick try to enthuse the team into a spirited display – and last weeks Man of the Match Tom Price delivered in typical and emphatic style, running quick ball from a scrum in our own 22 the ball was pinged quickly through the hands with captain Connor Lap delivering a nicely weighted ball into the path of Tom for him to break the line and then out pace all the covering players to round the last man and score under the posts – the reliable boot of Tom Sparkes added the extra 2 points.

Rhyl did not lie down and a tense game ensued. Rhyl scored in reply but missed the conversion, Northwich then responded with a fantastic team try finished off by new player Sam on at openside wing forward. Another strong scrummage in the Northwich 22 gave quick ball which was shipped quickly to the centres, this started a flowing phase of rugby with forwards and backs all getting involved in a passage of play which went the whole length of the pitch with Sam diving for the line in the right hand corner – Sparkey again added the 2 points.

Rhyl again went on the offensive and had sustained pressure on the Northwich line which was soaked up by Northwich and a clearing kick from fly half Harry relieved the pressure, but only for a short while as Rhyl came back and eventually Northwich conceded a try when the Rhyl front rower powered over from 5 yards out – the conversion was again missed.

The Northwich management kept up the policy of Squad rotation and made 8 changes at half time – the strength in depth for the squad is now apparent as the fresh legs of the subs were telling in the outcome of the game – Dalian Wilson came off the bench to score 2 tries in the second half, Tom Phillips and Charles Malapatan were added into the front row, Brendan and Cameron in to the second to bolster our already strong scrummage. The fitness and desire to win eventually undoing a big Rhyl pack as the Northwich 8 not only secured their own ball but also took 4 or 5 scrums against the head.

With 10 minutes to go and the game still in the balance with both teams on 24 points, Northwich gave away an easily kickable penalty – the Rhyl fly Half slotted the kick and made Northwich work hard for the last 10 minutes to secure the win. Another good team phase began as the forwards began to dominate upfront and secure good ruck ball from which the backs could attack, the ball was passed neatly across the pitch to allow reluctant speedy winger Ben Colyer to cross in the corner for the deciding try – the conversion was just out of range for Harry and so Northwich were 2 points clear going into the last 5 minutes.

The game was finally settled in the last play of the game, a Rhyl scrum in their own 22. The ref informed Rhyl they need to run the ball as the game would be over at the next stoppage. The Northwich pack who had been in charge all match won the scrum against the head, the fast backs were alive and Tom Price rounder off the day with a score under the posts. The Rhyl fly half and their management believed the score was invalid due to Northwich being offside but the game had already been won and the extra 5 points just added a bit of padding to the Northwich victory.

Northwich won 34 points to 27 (we did not get chance to take the conversion for the last try which would have made it 36).

Man of the Match was given to Tom Sparkes for a fine display at number 8, Liam Reilly receiving the Tackle of the Match award for continually putting himself in front of the Rhyl prop.

The game was a good test for this building Northwich side – confidence is high and the hard training is beginning to show in matches – We look forward to our return visit to Rhyl after Christmas as the game was on the whole played in a fine manner with both sides running the ball at every opportunity.

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October 4th U15’s vs Sandbach (Home) Won 30-24
The Under 15’s welcomed another strong side to Moss Farm this weekend, Sandbach have been one of the consistently high performing sides in the area for a number a years and have treated this squad of players to some humbling 70+ points defeats in the last two meetings. As always the Northwich Management had a Rafa Benitez style rotation policy in place for all players to have a good share of the match and the chance to give their full effort to either a win or loss for the team. Sandbach were without a few of their stronger players to injury and resting (focusing on Cheshire) and so what followed was a good hard fought match between two committed teams.

Sandbach started brightly and their big number 8 ploughed his way to the try line within 3 minutes to score his first of 3 tries in the game, it looked like we might be facing a long and demoralizing performance. However unlike in previous seasons the Northwich players picked them selves up straight away and began to battle. Cameron D playing at centre justified his selection with some big tackles and aided by Tom Price the Northwich midfield began to put some real pressure on the Sandbach runners. Some excellent forward play which saw the whole 8 performing well at the rucks for the entire match (although sometimes slow to get to the break down) resulted in good fast ball in the Sandbach half, a quick line break by Harry F and good hands in the centres saw space open up out wide for Ben C to capitalise on, hitting full speed he fended off two players to cross in the corner to open the scoring for Northwich – the kick was out of range and so for the first time in many years we were drawing a match against Sandbach.

Further tries came for both teams in the first half with Tom Price and Liam Reilly both crossing for Northwich, on both occasions the kicks were out of range so the first half ended with Sandbach leading by 2 points at 17 – 15. With fresh legs and some extra size to introduce on to the field the half time team talk was simple – keeping tackling, rucking and running hard – you can win. Ben C moved to flanker and produced his performance of the season so far, disrupting the Sandbach back line and making some fantastic covering tackles – he earned the Tackle of the Match award for his last ditch effort on the classy Sandbach scrum half who had sliced through the Northwich defence and was on his way to the line before Ben hunted him down, the chasing Northwich support managed to turn over the ball in what is becoming (at last) a defensive minded unit.

After battling for so long and still being 2 points down it looked like Northwich may sneak another try, however Sandbach kicked through deep into the Northwich 22 and some basic errors saw the Northwich boys throw a loose pass to no-one which was pounced on by the Sandbach number 9 to score under the posts. There was talk by the players of being beaten but this was quickly quashed, with 15 minutes left the effort was increased and three more tries were scored. New flanker Sam S crossed in the corner for his second try in two matches to bring the score back to 20 – 24 in favour of Sandbach, Man of the Match Liam Reilly took advantage of a Sandbach infringement and crossed the line from a quickly taken penalty for his second to put Northwich in front by 1 point (we missed all the conversion attempts) and Tom Price rounded the day off by breaking the defensive line at half way and outpacing the Sandbach cover to the try line to score his second of the match.

The players were duly delighted at full time with a win against one of the premier teams in the area, Sandbach had looked threatening all game and with a few of their more experienced players may have reversed the result in their favour. Next week Northwich travel to Crewe & Nantwich for what is always an enjoyable match with one win each from our two games last season – hopefully the under 15’s can continue their good form and secure another win.

 

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October 11th U15’s vs Crewe & Natnwich (Home) Lost 42-12
Games between these two sides have over the last 2 seasons always been good competitive matches usually with honours shared a game a piece with each team winning the away match at the others home ground. This match was different as C&N taught the Northwich squad a lesson in desire to win matches. After a fine win over Sandbach last weekend the Northwich players were too complacent and lacked the strength of character and hunger needed to go away from home and win.

C&N were a strengthened squad from previous seasons and had some genuine pace in their threequarter line which undid the Northwich defence all game, the power and strength Northwich had shown just 7 days earlier from the forwards was missing and a lackluster game was played out where C&N were allowed to score at will. Some good tackling and determined play was seen from Craig Robinson who received the Tackle of the Match award for a fine cover tackle stopping an almost certain C&N try, and Harley Aston continued to impress with a competent first half on the wing and switching to scrum half in the second period helping to provide quicker ball for the backs – his efforts earned him the Man of the Match award.

Points were scored in the second half after a few good attacking phases by Northwich, Connor Lap crossing for his first try of the season, Harry Fitz converting for the extra 2 points, and Suf Buras-Stubbs also claiming his first try of the season after barging over the line from close quarters – conversion attempt missed.

Northwich have a good size squad this season with the luxury of 7 substitutes to use and freshen up the team at half time. Hopefully with a bit more training and some competition for places the players will soon realize that every game needs to be played with the intention of each player doing their best and putting in as strong a performance as they are capable of. Too many players on Sunday were passengers floating in and out of the game, expecting and hoping that others would do the hard work for them.

C&N worked hard for their win and we wish them well for the rest of the season, they have improved greatly over the past 2 seasons and we look forward to the return match at Moss Farm late in the season.

The Northwich squad have no game next weekend which gives a much needed team training session – every one must attend and improvement needs to be made, in skill, team play and attitude.

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October 24th U15’s vs Wilmslow (Away) Lost 52-35 
The U15’s travelled to Wilmslow on Sunday in anticipation of a difficult match. Wilmslow had made us aware in advance that they would be a few players short so we arrived with the expectation of mixing our teams to get a full game. Upon arrival we learned of a third team Macclesfield becoming involved. It was decided that Wilmslow and Macc would join forces, in doing this we knew as coaches the match would be even more difficult but we believed that the boys had it them to pull it off.

The match was split up into three twenty minute periods so that changing the players around would be easier. The first period was strewn with errors by Northwich, the intensity needed in such a difficult game was missing this coupled with the increasing number of missed tackles, dropped balls and an inability to retain possession at the tackle area meant that the score at the end of the period was very one sided. Only powerful tackling and a great work ethic from Tom Price and resilient running from Callum Dumbell were notable displays. With all this said it took nothing away from how Wilmslow and Macc played, confident play from their impressive fly-half and strong running from their centres meant that Northwich trailed 21-0 at the conclusion of the first period.

After a number of changes at the interval things didn’t get any better, though there were encouraging performances by new players to the team George and Oli. The majority of the second period saw the opposition forwards take control which provided an abundance of room for their sizable winger whose pace and power was too much for the Northwich backs as he helped himself to two tries. A lot was said on the touchline of the lad’s ability, but mentally the Wilmslow and Macc lads were tougher and hungrier for the win, resulting in them winning the ball at every breakdown and claiming the ball whenever it was free. They won the second period 26-0.

Before the third period began there was a rallying call put out to the lads, to at least gain a bit of pride back and win the final period. The lads responded to this and soon after the whistle Tom Price reacted quickest taking a 22-drop out and running the length of the field to score the first of three tries, his second was only two minutes later both of which were converted by Will Corradine. Then only blip of the third period came 5 minutes later when Wilmslow scored their only points of the half after a few tired missed tackles. However this was soon forgotten about when on full debut Oli Norbury went over to top off an impressive display. Further tries from Dalian Wilson and a third for Price (Conversion by Corradine) capped off an impressive come back after the first two periods.

Man of the Match: Callum Dumbell Tackle of the Match: Charles Malapatan

The impressive come back didn’t gloss over what was disappointingly missing for forty minutes, a lot to work on for next Sunday at home to Stockport, but the lads know this and its up to them to have the desire to want to put things right. We all know they have the ability it’s now time to apply it. Finally thanks must go to Wilmslow and Macclesfield for giving us a demanding game, and wish them both luck for the rest of the season.

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November 15th U15’s vs Widnes (Home) Lost 17-0 
A late kick off time due to pitch shortages and the potential for a morning of horrendous weather were all put aside for a good and well contested game of rugby. Widnes, as expected were a well drilled side, confident with ball in hand and seemingly comfortable to try and run the ball from all points on the pitch. With a makeshift back line due to absences the Northwich side never looked like troubling the hard tackling Widnes team through the backs, we saw some good performances in the backs from Connor Lap who put in some fantastic tackles in mid field and Will Corradine who made some ground in attack when given the opportunity on the wing. Harry Fitz was awarded Tackle of the Match for some great defensive work and strong tackles.

The Northwich pack had been told that theirs was the main job for the day, winning the set pieces and competing ferociously at the break down would be needed to quell this free running Widnes team, and we got what was asked for. The forwards were tight in the scrum, and apart from the canny Widnes prop who tried to spoil all scrum ball the Northwich lads did their job, our desire to maul and keep the ball in tight saw some excellent passages of play with the forwards rumbling the ball a good 40 meters from half way line to 5 meters short – unfortunately following this as our best passage of play the ball was given away too easily in sight of the try line and Widnes managed to clear the pressure with a good kick to touch. Notable forwards performances were seen by Oliver Norbury with his ball carrying duties, Tom Phillips and Reese Parry in the back row tackling all game and Suf Buras getting back some form and winning Man of the Match for his lively performance.

The effort and commitment shown by the forwards if taken into future matches will see us dominate other teams upfront and with a bit more firepower and pace returning in the back line the Northwich team shall hopefully begin to show their true colours for the season.

The Northwich coaches were pleased with the performance and feel the team can build on the areas of the game which were much improved in this match. Our thanks to Widnes for a well contested match, both teams playing a good standard of rugby and Widnes proving to be just that bit more clinical in the backs to convert the chances they were given.

Man of the Match – Sufyen Buras Stubbs

Tackle of the Match – Harry Fitzgerald

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November 22nd U15’s vs Marple (Away) Won 42-14 
The under 15’s traveled to Marple with high hopes after a strong game last week against a free running Widnes side. Marple and their ground were to pose a totally different match than the previous week. The pitch had been given the all clear at 8am Sunday morning, from 08:15 until 10:00 the rain pounded down making the pitch into a just playable quagmire.

Games between these two teams in the past couple of seasons have been even affairs with Northwich just edging ahead and winning by a single score on both occasions, and with the home advantage to Marple first half of the match was again an even affair. Northwich started slowly and struggled to put together any consistent phase play, too often the ball carrying forwards tried to make an extra few yards rather than turning, presenting and securing the ball. When Northwich could produce good ball in the forwards and supply the backs it was obvious that the pace and power in the Northwich three quarter line would undue the Marple defence.

Asked to be more inventive this week and less one dimensional in attack the Northwich pack and back line responded positively, utilizing the blindside from quick ruck ball Liam Reilly scampered past the first defender before releasing Tom Price on the wing for a 70 meter run in try duly converted by Harry Fitz(Patrick not Gerald). Tom produced a sterling display all match securing himself 2 further tries in the second half.

The remainder of the first half saw Marple pressurizing Northwich and capitalizing on Northwich mistakes and lack of control in scrums, rucks and mauls. Two further tries were scored by Northwich in the first half, the first for Harry who held his position well in the unusual role of wing and found himself in masses of space on the far right, a couple of jinks, a side step, swerve and handoff were all used to reach the try line – a simple straight run to the corner flag to score would have done the trick but Harry obviously wanted to practice some skills. Big Charles had no delusions of throwing in any slick looking skills on his way to the try line. After being awarded a penalty 15 meters out Charles handed off his own scrum half to get to the ball, quick tap on the run, New Zealand side step on the Marple scrum half and out paced the remaining defenders to dive over the whitewash. Marple responded either side of the Northwich scores with converted tries of their own to make the half time score a respectable 14 – 21.

With the large under 15’s squad this season the management made a number of changes at half time and swapped out almost the entire scrum for new players with fresh legs and introduced more power and pace into the back line with Harley replacing Liam at scrum half and pacey wing man Craig coming into the action. After the break the game went all Northwich’s way – more determination from the forwards saw better possession and some good controlled phase play with forwards and backs combining to move the ball from left to right and the entire length of the pitch for Suf Buras Stubbs to claim a try under the posts to open the second half flood gates. Northwich then took control of the match with the forwards firing and backs looking in impressive running form. Three more tries were scored without reply, Tom P bagging a hat trick and Oli Norbury driving over from close range to allow an easy conversion for Tom Sparkes making the final score 45-14 in favour of Northwich. The best phase of the day unfortunately came to nothing after nice forward and backs interplay had moved the ball from our own 22 m up to 10 meters of the Marple try line, a 2 man overlap and the backs running at pace, however Dalian’s Teflon gloves struck again and the ball was grounded – the ref adjudicating forward and the momentum lost with a scrum down for Marple – frustrating, but positive that we can get the ball into such exciting attacking positions – we need to now focus on capitalizing on all opportunities and chances.

Marple never gave up and tested the Northwich defence throughout the second half and the score line was skewed in favour of Northwich by virtue of our bigger squad and fresh legs in the second half. Reece Parry put in another great performance and was voted Man of the Match – where ever the ball is you will find Reece (usually face down in the mud) making tackles and competing for the ball in rucks and mauls. After some deliberation the coaches decided to give Reece the Tackle of the Match award also for making man strong defensive hits in the mid field.

Other notable performances were seen from Luke Robinson who is progressing and found form this season that we have not seen from him before, Tom Phillips has also improved massively this season and is making his presence known from No8 (and as a frighteningly quick fly half) putting in some strong tackles. The back line made good ground yesterday in attack with Will Corradine and Craig Robinson showing good pace and elusive running on the flanks and Huw Lewis looking safe at full back.

Our thanks to Marple for a fun game and warm welcome, we hope to have another competitive match later in the season.

Man of the Match – Reece Parry

Tackle of the Match – Reece Parry
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November 29th U15’s vs Wirral (Home) Lost 18-7 
Northwich Under 15’s were dumped out of the Cheshire cup at the first stage again this year. As with last year we hosted Wirral at Moss Farm for our first truly competitive match of the season and came up lacking. The game kicked of late due to slow moving traffic on the M53 and 6 car loads of Wirral players were sat behind it, when they did arrive it was thought that after a long journey and little time to prepare that Northwich could get the upper hand right from the start after a full warm up and prep session – how wrong we were, within minutes Wirral had shifted the ball from forwards to backs, moved the ball wide and scored in the corner. Very poor tackling from Northwich to allow the try was seen throughout the rest of the game and is still a frustration for the coaches when players who have the skills and ability back away from tackles and are content for 3 or 4 of the team to have to make the lions share of the effort in defence.

Northwich did rally and a more competitive game than we first thought ensued, unfortunately marred by the myriad of mistakes from the under 15’s. Tap penalties being taken no-where near the referee’s mark, entering rucks from the side, kicking away possession, missed tackles, knock-ons, flapping at line out ball, little support and many more niggles for the coaches which we would expect to see in an under 10’s team.

We did cross the line in the first half and the conversion was made also, so we took the lead at 7-5 for a 10 minute period however every time Wirral moved the ball from forwards to the backs they looked dangerous and made ground in most attacks. Wirral put on 2 more unconverted tries in the second half with no reply from Northwich the game ending at 18 – 7 to Wirral who deserved the win.

Plus points and positives for Northwich were hard to come by, but a few players did put full effort into the match and can be proud of their efforts, Craig Robinson on the wing had a fine match and made a number of good runs and some excellent try saving tackles (Man of the Match), Reese Parry and Tom Price gave everything as always and between them made 50% of Northwich’s tackles, Suf Buras and Sam Stephenson improved in the second half and began firing better and Harley Aston was as committed as always – unfortunately there are few other stand out performances to mention.

This was truly a game where a few players carried the others and that is not good enough – If this squad of players wish to progress they ALL will need to give more effort and commitment to each game and take responsibility for their actions on the field.

We wish Wirral the best of luck for the next round and hope that they progress in the Cheshire Cup competition.

Man of the Match – Craig Robinson

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December 6th U15’s vs Nant Conwy (Home) Drawn 13-13 
Nant Conwy had a 2 hour journey through rain and storm to honour the fixture on a cold and wet Sunday morning at Moss Farm. The kick off was slightly delayed to ensure the full Nant squad arrived, the Northwich lads had plenty of time to warm up and get motivated for the match. The match began brightly as the rain ceased and the sun shone down and Northwich responded to this respite in the weather by playing some very nice phase play and stringing together a series of rucks, mauls, and attacks through the forwards and backs the likes of which we have never seen before – the spectators were well impressed!

Nant took the lead with a converted try in the first half, the Northwich defence losing concentration for a moment and letting Nant crash over on the right hand side. The under 15’s back line began to fire and hit the ball at pace, creating a 2 on 1 out wide for Craig Robinson to exploit, a nice little jink to beat the covering fullback and Craig touched down under the posts. Northwich had the run of the first half with Will Corradine playing at fly half and directing play nicely to win himself the Man of the Match award, Connor and Tom making ground in the centres and both wings (Dalian and Craig) having great runs and only last ditch cover tackling from Nant preventing further first half tries.

The second half was a different game – Nant began to fire and play a quicker harder game more suited to their big strong forwards, and Northwich for some reason tried to out muscle them in the forwards rather than supplying our backs. It is testament to the more committed defence from the under 15’s that Nant only scored 1 try in the second half as the blacks soaked up a good 20 minutes of pressure all in the Northwich 22. Tom Price had a superb break from his own 22m to relieve the pressure and looked certain to score a long range try until the diminutive Nant full back felled him on half way and with no support runners close enough to take advantage a great chance to clinch victory had been missed.

In the dying minutes the forwards kindly let the backs have the ball a few times – which made a big difference as first Connor Lap thundered into midfield, Charlie M bounced the Nant fly half of his chest and stole the ball in the process, feeding the backs once again saw quick hands create an overlap when fullback Dalian made the extra man on the outside rounding the last Nant defender to touch down just wide of the posts. With the score at 12 all it seemed unfair that Nant would head home losers after playing so well for the second half so the Northwich kicker decided to scuff the conversion attempt and make the game a draw, which was probably a fair result to both sides.

Man of the Match – Will Corradine
Tackle of the Match – Charles Malapatan

Our thanks to Nant Conwy for making the journey and making a good contest.


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December 13th U15’s vs Congleton (Away) Won 67-19 
A cold and crisp morning in Congleton was made all the colder for the Northwich 15’s when told the leisure centre would not allow them to change in doors. A make shift changing area – open air next to the pitch – was set up as 20 of the lads shivered and complained. The sun was coming up slowly and made the previously crisp pitch playable with the now renowned International Referee confirming the surface was OK to play.

Northwich started brightly and began to play some nice expansive rugby – it was too cold to make the wings and fullback stand around with nothing to do, so the game plan was get the ball wide and attack down the flanks making everybody run as far as possible to support in an attempt to keep warm – this seemed to work and soon Northwich crossed the line via Tom Price for the first of 7 Northwich first half tries (Price getting a hat trick). Further first half tries were scored with no reply from Congleton, Will Corradine scoring twice and making 3 conversions, Huw Lewis, Liam Reilly and George all crossing for fine tries with Craig Robinson scoring either side of half time to gain the man of the match award. Although Northwich were on top from the start the first half was littered with handling errors which will need to be eradicated for the rest of the season.

Congleton this season are a mixed team and had a number of under 14 players mixed in with their under 15’s, they battled well and continued to play throughout the first half and saw some rewards for this in the second with a few tries.

Northwich mixed up the team somewhat in the second half, firm belief in the need for all players to experience new positions and appreciate the skills and effort put in by other members of the team led to some new/surprising/exciting team selections. After weeks of nagging Charles and Brendan got their chance to play on the Wing and Fullback respectively, Craig was moved from wing in to the centres and had a Man of the Match performance and Sam Stephenson was moved in to the threequarter line – after a number of missed opportunities Sam caught a ball whilst running a good straight line at speed (backs make note) and crashed through the covering defence to score. The Tom’s half back partnership worked well with Sparkey crossing the line with a victory salute (oh how he was told off for that). Charles Malapatan had a good strong game on the wing and had numerous runs down the left hand side before finally receiving the ball in space with 40 yards to go, bouncing one, two and then a third player off him he crossed the line and sprinted the extra yards to touch down under the posts. Congleton rallied in the second half and had periods of sustained pressure in the Northwich 22 which resulted in them scoring three well taken and deserved tries.

The Tackle of the Match award went to Huw Lewis, asked to play at second row he seemed to believe he had grown to the size of a second row and took a chance to demolish the Congleton number 8 with a crunching tackle of David and Goliath proportions. A special mention for the Moment of the Match award – won by Luke Robinson after 6 years of playing rugby Luke is so in tune with the game and his own zen like abilities that he has dispensed with the use of hands for catching the ball, he leaves that to the more feeble and inferior players as Luke tests himself to even greater achievements and experiments such as catching a high ball with his face. To his credit he did give full effort to this task where others may have faltered, Robo kept resolute in his stance for perfection and keeping his hands firmly in his shorts pockets from the kick off used his left eye, cheek and nose to control the ball, a slight cross wind however bobbled the ball at the last moment and Robo’s electrifying skill demonstration ended up in the ball leaving his face and bouncing forward – the International ref deciding the advantage was with Congleton allowed the game to play on.

Congleton are due to visit Northwich in the New Year and we look forward to welcoming them to Moss Farm for another friendly encounter. Hopefully they took some spirit from their second half performance as many teams would not have come back to score three tries after being down 40 points at half time – we wish them well for the rest of the season.

Man of the Match – Craig Robinson
Tackle of the Match – Huw Lewis

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January 24th U15’s vs Wirral (Away) Lost Lots-0 
The under 15’s had their first run out for 6 weeks against Wirral who narrowly beat us to put us out of the Cup earlier in the season. This was our chance to pay them back and put some points on the board against a a team who we are capable of beating (or so we thought).

In driving rain and on a poor muddy pitch the Northwich team suffered a very heavy defeat in what was possible the worst display seen by this team for 3 years. A lack of character and will to win saw Wirral run in tries at will with little effort from any of the Northwich team to tackle or ruck and our defensive positioning was dreadful. All in all a day to forget but hopefully a kick start to the lads that they need a vast improvement in their attitude if they want to fulfill any of the potential they have as a team. Too many players made the effort to look as if they were involved and trying to work hard where it was plain to see that they were dodging any hard work and making pains to not reach the ball carrier or be in a position where they might have to make a tackle.

No coach wants to witness a display from their team like the one we saw on Sunday – it was painful, the parents who took their lads to play deserve better, the club deserves better – but most of all the few players who do care and are willing to put in the hard work deserve much better from their team mates than they got on Sunday.

Two positive points were the return after injury of Callum Dumbell and Ben Colyer. Ben had a few determined runs and a great cover tackle to stop a try, Callum was man of the match after a great first half where he tackled everything that cam his way, unfortunately few others in the team decided to follow his lead and his efforts on his own were no resistance to a good strong running Wirral team.


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March 7th U15’s vs Leigh (Home) Lost 29-20 
The Northwich Under 15’s lost this match due to lack of commitment and too many players leaving duties on the pitch to others.

A good first half with tries from Reece Parry, Tom Price (2) and Tom Phillips saw Northwich play some of their best rugby this season. The forwards looked committed and provided good ball with lots of pressure being put on the Leigh try line for a sustained period. The back line was firing nicely with Dalian Wilson at fullback joining the line to create overlaps on every attack. The only issue Northwich faced in the first half was from players ducking away from tackles on the big Leigh forwards who were able to make lots of ground due to tackles not being made.

With the Leigh team visibly tiring by half time the second half should have been a simple task to continue the good work of the first half with the potential for Northwich to put 40 points on Leigh. All credit to Leigh as they came back from being 15 points down and scored another 24 without reply – they wanted to win the match and they did. The Northwich under 15’s seemed to want others to win the game for them and hid away – at this stage of the season to lose a match in this manner is frustrating for the players who put every effort in to training and matches when other squad members show no signs of lending their ability to win games.

Unfortunately after the great first half of this match this game is one to forget – lets hope we don’t have any more second half performances like this for the rest of the season.

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March 21st U15’s vs Winnington Park (Away) Lost 12-5 
For the second season running the under 15’s came up short against Winnington Park – this time the victory gave Winnington a place in the final of the Cheshire Plate. This was a typical local derby match with both teams working hard to get a win. Winnington rucked better, faster and harder than the Northwich team and came out on top due to that determination at the break down. The Northwich defence was admirable all game and to only allow Winnington to score twice when they had so much possession showed that the Blacks were committed to try and win this match.

The first half saw Winnington have all the field position and possession although they made real hard work of trying to score. A 5 meter scrum saw some sloppy tackling from Northwich which allowed Winnington to drive over from close range to score the first try. Northwich had a few forays into the Park half which could have resulted in a try and frustratingly for the Blacks the ref adjudicated one such occasion as held up. The first half ended 5-0 up to Winnington.

The second half was less stodgy and the game opened up a bit more, Winnington still had the upper hand in the rucks and so played a tight 10 man game which continued to nullify the greater attacking threat of the Blacks backs. Again struggling to get good quick ball meant that Northwich sustained long periods of pressure which resulted in another close range try from Winnington – this time converted  - for them to go 12 – 0 up.

Northwich made a few changes in personnel and managed to gain the upper hand for the last 10 minutes, quicker ball from the rucks resulted in a fine try from Ben Colyer on the wing running at pace to gather a nicely timed and weighted pass to outpace 3 Winnington defenders and score in the corner. Further quick ball gave left wing Craig Robinson room to attack. Northwich however did not capitalise on a number of overlaps in the backs with 3 golden opportunities missed as inside players took the wrong options.

The final whistle came too soon for Northwich and at 12 – 5 Winnington took the win and their place in the final.

Notable performances for Northwich included Dalian Wilson who covered every inch of the pitch at least twice to put in the man of the match performance. Luke Robinson had possibly his best game so far for the Blacks and Liam Reilly injected some real pace and urgency into the game with his introduction at scrum half.

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