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U11’s Match Reports 2011-12 Northwich were straight onto the front foot winning good ball in midfield after some fine tackling from Myles Moreland and Paul Hatfield. Harry Naylor made a trademark elusive run to open his and the teams account for the season with a great try in the corner. With kicking being introduced this year Harry stepped up to convert his own try with Wilkinsonesque ease. Sale rumbled forward from the restart using their big forwards to make decent progress into the Northwich half but fine tackles from Kyle Clarke and skipper Reece Hughes followed by quality rucking over from Ollie Kenny and Jacob Waterhouse meant that Northwich were back on the attack. Morgan Brown made a very determined run showing a superb side step to cross the line for Northwich’s second try. A knock on from the restart and Blacks were on the attack again Harry Naylor releasing Morgan Brown who crossed for his second. Northwich were really on top now good runs from Christain Kouris and Ted Woodward had Blacks threatening the Sale line but they defended solidly as the visitors looked to extend their lead. Lewis Dutton combined with Edward Bruckshaw who showed real strength to cross for the fourth try of the day. With half time approaching the cap was put on a near faultless performance when Myles Moreland burst through to notch blacks 5th try. This was a superb half from the lads decisive in attack and strong in defence it was a performance which bodes well for the season. Half Time Sale Scorpions 0 Northwich 33 The second half started with Northwich ‘yellow’ taking the field with a good number of boys making their debuts. They were soon under pressure - Sale’s pack were physically imposing and they were starting to make their advantages of size and strength tell. Despite the efforts of Bob Leahy and Mitchel Wright they were over in quick order to pull back a try. From the restart Johnny Horton made a good run but with the Sale defence proving a tough nut to crack there was no way through, the ball was turned over and Sale were back on the attack taking full advantage to run in a second. Good tackling from Elliot Stanley and Elliot Kelsall who forced their man into touch as he threatened the Northwich line. From the subsequent line out Sale worked the ball well to their big second rower who surged with intent toward the Northwich line. There is an old saying that a good little one will always beat a good big ‘un and nobody embodies this in the Under 11’s better than Jacob ‘Techno’ Lambert a crunching tackle on a rampaging Sale forward who towered above Techno forced a knock on and lifted the whole team who followed Jacobs example and refused to take a backward step for the rest of the game. Bob Leahy showed his experience taking a quick tap penalty before releasing speedster Aaron Wilding who surged upfield Lennon Connell and Tom Grsnsinger were quickly on hand giving support but despite their efforts Aaron was forced into touch. The boys were starting to get to grips with Sale now and they were finding it harder to dictate the game. Luke McCormick and Carter Warding both made decent yards into Sale territory before they found a bit of space on the flanks as Blacks backs eager to get into the game showed their inexperience with a few too many boys getting sucked into a maul and as the ball came loose Sale took advantage to pull back another try. Blacks brought on a couple of older hands and Paul Hatfield from a pass by Elliot Johnston, surged over the Sale line recording blacks sixth try of the day. As the clock ticked down toward full time Sale crossed for their fourth but it was to prove to be a consolation effort as ref Nigel brought proceedings to a conclusion This was a really solid start of the season for Northwich the defence in the first half was top draw. On a narrow pitch such as today the boys have sometimes struggled to impose themselves – not on this occasion however. The new boys can all be very proud of their first games for the club every one of them making a solid contribution to the cause. Men of the match Full Time Sale Scorpions 26 Northwich 40 Trys – Naylor, Brown (2), Moreland, Bruckshaw, Hatfield Conversions – Naylor (3), Hatfield, Leahy Match Day Squad Northwich Yellow Return to fixtures Our squad this summer has been buoyed by many new faces, and this has caused somewhat of a selection dilemma, for myself and Nigel. This week we opted to start with the more senior hands and rotate the so called “less experienced” players in during the game, trying to give everyone the same amount of game time. I say so called “less experienced” players, but anyone watching Sundays game will agree that Carter, Lewis, Tom, Lennon, Elliot, Oliver, Aaron and Johnny showed nothing near being inexperienced. When called upon, each and every one of them worked very hard to rise to the standard of their team mates. Bear in mind we asked many of these boys to play in very unfamiliar positions, and not once did anyone moan, they just stepped up and did what was asked of them, a credit to them as well as their parents. There seems to be a great ethic running through this team of “one for all, all for one” this is so apparent in the rucks and mauls, and mostly how with some great off-loading this weekend, there always seemed to be a Northwich player on hand to receive the ball. To highlight this twice we were camped on our try line waiting lineout ball, were the hookers Jacob W or Chris played to Charlie who off-loaded to harry, who ran 20 yards, off-loaded to Paul, who ran 20 yards to touch down in the corner, the second exactly the same except for Ted gaining the honours of a Chris Ashton like touch down. Aaron Wilding nearly scored a great solo effort only to step into touch at the last minute. We talk about “Techno” and his ability to defy gravity with his David Vs. Goliath tackles, but for me he played his best game for Northwich so far. He was closely followed by his best pal and sparring partner Mitchell, who of late, has developed a real determination and a will to succeed, as shown in the tackles he is putting in. I have spoken to all the boys, lately about how if they show strength in running determination and a real character, they can achieve everything we expect and can be proud of themselves. Jacob W and Bob Leahy, never took a step backwards powering forward, like stampeding buffaloes, never giving up. Following suit was Ollie in his 2nd game of the season with a try for his efforts, as he powered over from six yards out, carrying half the Liverpool team with him. Up steps Paul ferocious in his tackles, powerful running, and 2 try’s plus conversion to boot, again man of the match stuff. Charlie what can I say, he is like “ever ready” just keeps on going and going and this year his team is with him, driving forwards and supporting the Big Man, a try for his sins. Ted great tackles, some amazing runs a try and conversion to rival anybody. Reece “snake hips” Hughes a great solo 35 yard dash to touch down in the corner and again, he was involved everywhere. Mr Kouris, his reading of the game is outstanding, always quick to be first there and put the first challenge in, well done very unlucky not to get on the score sheet. Harry, has begun to learn the art of quick decision making and as scrum half he is learning when and where to off-load, (it’s a difficult task as I am his worst critic). Like all, he plays the game on the front foot, “first in” and with 4 try’s, plus a conversion was a fitting reward for his hard work. Try of the day Edward Bruckshaw, on the quiet I have spoken to Ed, about the strength he has in his running, a 30 yard dash knocking 4 players out of the way, 3 hanging on to him, couldn’t stop the determination this boy has, well done. Morgan in training of late has really upped his game, he is showing some very powerful running and was inches short of scoring an early try, extremely strong in tackles and we should see some great try’s this year from Morgan. I hope I have not missed anyone out, if so please accept my apologies. New parents on behalf of myself and Nigel, thanks for bringing down your children. They are very welcome new additions, and give us the opportunity to have a very strong squad (and a few selection challenges). Together with the older hands we have a team worthy of a great season. To sum up Northwich 65- Liverpool 19. 7 different try scorers, 5 different conversion kickers, two completely different scrums “ a great day at the office well done boys” Again there were so many players showing impressive rugby it was difficult to choose one (or even more than one) man of the match. Men of the match today were Bob Leahy who showed his experience in the scrum together with quick follow-up chasing loose ball and Aaron Wilding who in his second match showed lightning quick feet to gain lots of ground. Team : Morgan Brown (Captain), Ollie Kenny (1 try), Christian Kouris, Jacob Waterhouse, Bob Leahy (1 conversion), Carter Warding, Elliot Johnston, Tom Grsnsinger, Harry Naylor (4 tries 1 conversion), Ted Woodward (1 try 1 conversion), Edward Bruckshaw (1 try), Paul Hatfield (2 tries 1 conversion), Reece Hughes (1 try), Charlie Frith (1 Try), Lewis Dutton, Lennon Connell, Johnny Horton, Jacob Lambert, Mitchell Wright, Aaron Wilding (1 conversion) |
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October 16th U11’s vs Helsby (Home) Won 33-14 & 40-12 Game 1 NRUFC 33 Helsby 14 With their noses in front the finely tuned machine which is the Northwich under 11’s moved gracefully through the gears! Forwards Charlie Firth, Christian Kouris, Jacob Waterhouse, Myles Moreland and Bob Leahy showed a superb appetite for work carrying the ball forward well and snuffing out any threat from our opponents before they could make any advance into Blacks territory. This made a great platform for the Blacks to show just how devastating they can be when running in open ground. Great runs from Kyle Clarke and Morgan Brown were thwarted by resolute Helsby defence but they were powerless to prevent Harry Naylor and Paul Hatfield from running in further trys. Half time saw wholesale changes taking place as coaches Nigel and Scott shuffled the pack. Johnny Horton and Aaron Wilding were recalled from the Helsby ranks to be replaced by Kyle Clarke and Jacob Waterhouse. Almost from the first whistle blacks were on the attack and as pressure built on the visitors line Elliot Kelsall showed real grit and determination forcing his way over from short distance to record his first try for the team. Helsby were a determined bunch however and they were soon on the front foot. Superb defence from Oli Kenny and Elliot Johnston looked to have thwarted the Helsby attack but their pack were soon on hand rucking over the ball well before their big second rower rumbled over for a real forwards try. Helsby had their tails up now and were coming on strong, superb cover defence from Thomas Ravenscroft, Carter Warding and Paul Hatfield and a thumping tackle by hooker Luke McCormick who dumped one of the big Helsby lads on the ground in no uncertain terms saw blacks turn over the ball. Lennon Connell and Scrum Half Harry Armitt combined well to set up Harry Naylor who showed a clean pair of heels to the defence and in the process making the game safe. As the clock wound down there was still time for another Helsby score which in truth was little more than a consolation as ref Nigel’s whistle brought the game to a close. Second Half Game 2 NRUFC 40 Helsby 12 Blacks were playing some superb stuff now Elliot Johnston made a barn storming run before Johnny Horton combined well with Edward Bruckshaw who showed what a strong runner he is by bursting through the heart of the Helsby defence for Northwich’s second try of the match. Helsby were still game and looked set to score until Ted Woodward made a fantastic try saving tackle. Blacks attacked again with Christian Kouris and Harry Armitt both making good ground. Aaron Wilding showed his lightning pace before Charlie Firth again crossed the Helsby line for his second of the game. From the restart Helsby brought the ball forward Myles Moreland was in the thick of the action ripping the ball from his opponents grasp before breaking two attempted tackles and storming down the touch line to score the try of the day – a real ‘Champagne’ moment! Half time saw a number of changes being made in the Northwich ranks as Lennon Connell and Charlie Firth slotted into the visitors side. Whilst the Helsby boys were no doubt glad to welcome Charlie into their ranks after his stormer of a performance in the first half I’m not quite so sure the Northwich boys were quite so keen to face up to a rampaging Charlie! Helsby showed some enterprising play working the ball through a number of phases before scoring in the corner. Blacks attacked again Elliot Stanley showed a superb side step in midfield popping the ball up to Myles Moreland who burst through the visitors defence touching down for another well worked try. Helsby were again on the attack only to be stopped by good tackling from Thomas Ravenscroft and Jacob Waterhouse who showed real determination putting everything into the tackle before he picked up an injury in a ruck. A quick break saw Helsby cross again. With the final whistle approaching Morgan Brown made a good break after some pressure from Helsby, Morgan worked the ball back to Scrum half Harry Naylor who stormed over with a score which rounded things off nicely for blacks. Teams Second Half Scorers In summary another superb performance from the boys with everyone involved making a real contribution during the course of the two matches. Particularly pleasing was the way in which the trys were shared around with 7 different lads crossing the line today. Special mentions must go to Elliot Kelsall who notched his first try for the club and to all the boys who volunteered for a spell out on loan in the Helsby ranks. With a 100% success rate so far this season we go into next weeks game with confidence sky high – bring on Whitchurch! Men of the match(es) Ted Woodward and Johnny Horton Return to fixtures One of our biggest criticisms last year was our inability to start quickly, this year it seems to be quite the opposite, all the boys are generally “up for it” from the word go, this proved to be the case as Charlie “ever ready” Firth powered over in true fashion and set the tone for the game. Myself and Nigel have spent a lot of time, this year so far, trying to convince all the players they have a role to play, and we shouldn’t be depending on certain individuals to do all the work, in some cases when we write these reports in would appear that certain people, do score try’s, but this doesn’t tell the full picture, what we had to day was a great team display, with many new faces stepping up to the plate again, to prove they are worthy of their place. I have been very pleased with Bob Leahy so far this year, not only is he powerful in the scrum, but he has notched up a level with his running and tackling, and was worthy of the 2nd try. After some fantastic work by new boy Elliot kelsall, backed up by the undefeated “Captain” Elliot Stanley, we made some great ground, and some quick decision making from scrum half Harry Naylor, sore the ball work its way to Charlie for a 3rd Try. When I talk to some of our newer players, there are certain individuals, I suggest they watch and learn from, the 4th try came by way of a true leader on the pitch “Paul Hatfield”, what a player he has become, our game is one of flowing rugby, great offloading and superb running ability, and Paul has this in abundance. So far this year I have seen people such as Kyle, Ted, Morgan, Reece, Myles, Chris realise that our new members offer us as coaches something different which has created this overwhelming desire to prove how good they, and wow how good are they, Chris, was the first there today, I have never seen Ted work so hard, and Kyle was so unfortunate, that on another day he would have scored 3 try’s. Reece has begun to show real power, in his tackles and his skill at running with the ball just gets better. Myles “champagne” Moorland, is an athlete who plays rugby, his strength is fantastic, showed by he can play anywhere. Morgan, you should be very proud, the way you are playing is outstanding, keep your head up and keep listening buddy! ( I think you are better than Ash) Half time came and we rang some changes bringing on the little terror that is Luke McCormack, as hooker, recent gold winning Judo champion Mitchell, and New Boys Lennon and Lewis, as I keep saying our new additions get better each week, showed by the developing of confidence in both Lennon and Lewis, they both show real determination, and a will to succeed, mostly this burning desire not to let their team mates down. Which I say is never going to be the case! I have seen people this year, such as Mitchell who really has stood tall, and worked hard, and is worthy of the praise we give him. For a little un Luke McCormick is simply, just great he always comes out with the ball, and you never see him upset. With Harry Armitt coming in at scrum half, shuffling Harry N into the back line, I have been talking, to both scrum half’s, about decision making when is the right time to move the ball, and I am glad to say, both have listened, our opponent’s, choose to kick the ball up at every chance, for me the wrong mistake, as our scrum half Harry A just dictated the play, moving the ball along the line, which resulted in 2 trys for harry N, we all know Harry’s speed means given a chance he is OFF!, however it was so pleasing to see that with all the boys today, if they sore a tackle coming they drew the defender in then quickly fed the ball down the line stretching Whitchurch on all areas of the park. Harry Armitts reading of the game in the 2nd half was fantastic. Whitchurch a credit to them with some “big Lads” managed to score 2 cancelation try’s, however a great solo effort by Paul Hatfield rounded of another fine rugby display. To sum up, Elliot Stanley as captain you should be proud, of you and your teams display again!. The rugby we are playing is fantastic and I like all parents are enjoying watching you all, and the hard work you are putting in is paying off. Well Done Today’s Squad Bob L, Chris K, Elliot S, Elliot K, Myles M, Harry N, Paul Hatfield, Charlie F, Ted W, Kyle C, Morgan B, Reece A, Mitchell W, Lennon C, Harry A, Luke M and lewis. Man of the Match Harry N, and Kyle Clarke November 6th U11’s vs Warrington (Home) Lost 40-14 Northwich got the match underway with the boys taking the game straight to Warrington with an outstanding kick chase. Forwards Ollie Kenny, Bob Leahy and Jacob Waterhouse made their presence felt as they put the visitors under some real early pressure. Warrington though were up for the challenge and the early stages developed into a real arm wrestle. Neither side were really able to make an impression in attack as both defences proved to be a real tough nut to crack. Northwich made some good yards through decent runs from Edward Bruckshaw and Morgan Brown but with space at a premium and the Warrington defence in an impressive form a score was proving elusive for the normally free scoring Northwich back line. Warrington were also finding it hard to make any impression on the Blacks defence marshalled superbly well by the always dependable Charlie Firth ably supported by Myles Moreland, Christian Kouris and Thomas Ravenscroft. Northwich won some good ball as Scrum half Harry Naylor fed Paul Hatfield who, showed a great dummy and side step to break the gain line unfortunately for blacks the Warrington cover defence was up for the job and forced Paul into touch even more unfortunately for blacks and Paul in particular was the injury he sustained which forced him from the field to receive medical attention. With Northwich forced into a reshuffle Warrington took full advantage to open the scoring with a try as ref Nigel brought the first period to a close. Scott rang the changes at the start of the second period bring on the three Elliots – Kelsall, Johnson and Stanley who immediately put themselves about too good effect. Warrington were opting to kick the ball away in order to make territory when under pressure and one such kick soon had Northwich under pressure. Full back Jacob Lambert found himself isolated and despite a gutsy effort from Johnny Horton and Kyle Clarke Warrington were over for their second try. Blacks attacked down the flank as Luke McCormick and Ted Woodward combined well but Ted was forced into touch as he threatened to score. Half Time NRUFC 0 WRUFC 12 Warrington started the second half brightly and after a knock on by the Northwich defence took a quick tap penalty running in another try in the corner – a lesson learnt for blacks who need to be switched on and concentrating at all times. Northwich were soon back on the front foot through a strong Harry Naylor run after a good tackle from Lennon Connell had won the ball from the Warrington side. The Warrington defenders managed to win the ball before putting a booming kick deep into Northwich territory. Aaron Wilding fielded the kick and returned the ball with interest with a superb run which showcased his lightning pace to good effect. With the Northwich forwards soon on hand the boys set a good platform from which Myles Moreland took full advantage putting Blacks on the scoreboard for the first time on the day. With the game having been played at a good pace players started to tire and space started to open up. Warrington crossed for another try. Despite the game going against them not one of the Northwich boys let their heads drop as they again displayed the admirable team spirit which we have come to expect from them. Mitchell Wright made some hard yards before offloading to Paul Hatfield, bravely back on after his earlier injury who eventually put Harry Naylor for another score for blacks. Warrington still weren’t finished and a brace of trys in the final quarter put the game beyond Northwich. Full Time NRUFC 14 WRUFC 40 Another great game of rugby today at Moss Farm. So, whilst we tasted defeat for the first time in a good while, there are some real positives that can be drawn from the match. Blacks defence today was excellent - with all putting in a superb effort. Another pleasing aspect of the teams play was the scrum which continues to go from strength to strength. Warrington were just that much stronger than Blacks today and as the better of the two teams on the day deserved the win. Northwich though will bounce back! Match Day Squad Return to fixtures The Blacks made a strong impression in the first period getting off to a quick start. The players had taken on the recent focus from training and showed lots of quick ball with supporting players always on hand, good rucks and a strong scrum. (31-7) The following periods of play had an ebb and flow about them with Northwich dominant at times whilst Knutsford exploited opportunities at others. The results of the 4 quarters were 31-7, 7-28, 21-14, 5-14. Overall Northwich 64 Knutsford 63 As always there are lessons to be learned, however the team really showed that they had taken on board the work in training and have transferred it to the match. The whole team should be very proud of themselves and the way they played. Team. Aaron W, Bob L, Carter W, Charlie F (2T,1Con), Christopher K (1Con), Edward B, Elliott J, Elliott S, Harry A, Harry N (2T,2Con) , Jacob L, Johnny H, Kyle C, Lennon C, Lewis D, Mitchell W, Morgan B(1T), Myles M (2T, 1Con), Ollie K, Paul H (3T, 2Con), Reece H, Thomas R, Tom G. Men of the Match. Morgan Brown and Elliott Johnston. Return to fixtures The second period was tougher going as Trafford started to make inroads into the Northwich defence. For a while the some of the big Trafford lads started to look dangerous and they did get the reward of a try but the Northwich defence was resilient. Both the experienced players and the more recent members of the Northwich team stepped up and put in some great tackles, effectively stopping Trafford in their tracks. The hard work paid off and there were tries from Harry Naylor and Charlie to keep the momentum going. The final period saw more effective tackling with the defensive line moving up quickly to stifle Trafford, never really giving them a chance to get into the game. Two more tires from Paul, one from Christian and another from Edward made it an emphatic victory. All in all a satisfactory Sunday trip out. Scorers Men of the match: Elliott K, Mitchell, Harry A Return to fixtures Due to the success of Nortwich’s extensive scouting network the ranks of the under 11’s have been added to significantly this season with a good number of new players coming on board. Whilst the new lads are most welcome and have all contributed to the teams recent run of outstanding results the actual mechanics of managing the playing resources has begun to be a little problematic. So the brains trust in the coaching department have come up with a cunning plan. The Squad have been split into two teams – Blacks and Yellows with the intention that actual playing time gets divided equally between the boys. Todays game was therefore split into four 15 minute quarters’, with both ‘teams’ taking turns out on the pitch. It was the ‘yellow’ team who had first chance to impress with the assistance of Paul Hatfield, Harry Naylor and Ted Woodward who were drafted in from the ‘Black’ team in order to make up the numbers. Northwich started brightly with skipper Morgan Brown making some good yards. Saints though are a very physically imposing outfit and they soon started to make the most of their advantage in size and strength and were starting to put the home side under the pump. Some cracking tackling from Thomas Ravenscroft, Kyle Clarke and Lennon Connell stemmed the tide before Saints eventually took a deserved lead after working the ball through a number of phases before making a decisive break. Northwich were soon on the attack Harry Naylor who was playing in the unfamiliar position of full back made a blistering run deep into the Saints half after being set up by following good work from Scrum half Harry Armitt. The Anselmians defence was proving a tough nut to crack however and their big forwards once again turned over the ball to good effect before releasing their backs who combined well again to increase their lead. Charlie Firth had obviously decided that enough was enough and was soon driving, with excellent support from fellow forwards Carter Warding and Christian Kouris, right into the middle of the Anselmians pack, with their big men sucked in Northwich were at last able to work quick ball out to our speedster backs and it was Harry Naylor who opened the scoring with a good try in the corner. Time was counting down as Northwich were awarded a penalty after a knock on. Paul Hatfield, once again showing real intelligence and quick thinking in his play took a quick tap and released Harry Naylor who, once out in the open, was simply unstoppable. The ‘Black’ team took to the field in the second period clearly keen to build on the good foundations laid down by their mates from the ‘yellow’ team in the first. From the restart Edward Bruckshaw made a surging and incisive run deep into the saints half. Myles Moreland, Ollie Kenny and Elliot Hayes Johnson were quick on the scene rucking over to good effect ensuring that Northwich retained the ball. Harry Naylor back in his familiar position of scrum half was making some good trademark sniping runs. Saints though were giving as good as they got as possession and territory swung one way then the next as both teams struggled to get the upper hand. Luke McCormick was putting in a good shift at hooker and second row Elliot Kelsall seemed to be everywhere. Ted Woodward on the wing put in a couple of really good tackles as Saints threatened out wide. Lewis Dutton was putting himself about and Ollie Cosgrove was showing what a welcome addition he is to the squad with a really solid display. With both teams in determined mood it was Saints who finally managed to open the scoring in this period of play. Northwich showed real determination and hunger to succeed. After Tom Grsnsinger and Myles Moreland had combined well Paul Hatfield was on hand punching through the Saints defence to bring the half to the close with the match finely balanced. Half Time NRUFC 19 ARUFC 21 The Yellow team were back in action again for the third period – this time it was Elliot Kelsall, Edward Bruckshaw and Myles Moreland who stepped in from the blacks. This period saw some brilliant defensive play from both teams as neither attack was able to make a break through. Aaron Wilding for Northwich threatened a number of times to show his lightning pace but with the saints defence closing down space really well there just wasn’t the space for him to utilise. Harry Armitt and Christian Kouris were tackling like demons as the boys all took on board Coach Scotts instruction to ‘Go Low!’ in the tackle. Morgan Brown and Kyle Clarke made a couple of decent runs and Edward Bruckshaw showed pace and power in the centres, Charlie Firth was marauding in trade mark fashion but despite all the home sides efforts the Saints defence stayed firm as the period came to a close scoreless The final Period of the game saw the ‘Blacks’ back on the paddock with the addition of Charlie Firth who was replacing Lewis Dutton. Northwich finally got the upper hand in this period as the saints pack started to tire and gaps started to open for the Northwich backs to take advantage of. The backs though need a solid platform from the forwards if they are to succeed and that’s exactly what they got. Myles Moreland,Elliot Hayes Johnson,Charlie Firth and Ollie Kenny were superb as they put the Saints Pack on the back foot. Two quick fire trys from Paul Hatfield put Northwich into the lead for the first time in the match. Harry Naylor then joined the party with his hat trick try. Northwich saved the best to last though as Paul Hatfield raced almost the length of the pitch with his trademark side step leaving defenders in his wake. Credit to Saints though as they kept on going to the final whistle as they pulled back a try as ref Ash brought proceedings to a close. Final Score NRUFC 47 ARUFC 28 Try Scorers Conversions Men Of The Match Northwich Yellow Northwich Black March 4th U11’s vs Knutsford (Home) Won 52-38 After last week’s narrow loss to a well drilled Caldy side blacks were eager to get back to winning ways. The first quarter of the game saw the home side get off to an absolute flyer with an early try from Charlie Frith. Knutsford just couldn’t make an impression as the Northwich defence was in top form with some great tackles coming in from Harry Naylor and Thomas Ravenscroft. With the ball in hand the Northwich backs looked increasingly dangerous and eventually the pressure told as the boys increased their lead with another try courtesy of Myles Moreland. Knutsford had another attack snuffed out before Edward Bruckshaw made a good run deep into the away teams territory. The Northwich pack were soon on hand with Oli Kenny, Dan Harrogate and Christian Kouris combining to set up a solid platform from which skipper Ted Woodward was put away following a Harry Naylor pass crossing for a third try. Blacks were dominating now and were starting to show some real champagne rugby. A superb passage of play in which the ball was moved through a series of hands from one side of the pitch to the other ended with Paul Hatfield punching through the Knutsford defence to cruise in unopposed, this was an outstanding score – a real contender for try of the season. The second quarter got underway with Northwich again on the front foot. Enterprising play from first Elliott Kelsall and then Kyle Clarke saw blacks threatening to increase their lead still further. The Knutsford defence though was proving to be much more resolute and there was no way through. Knutsford were starting to make some inroads in attack and despite some great defensive work from Jacob Waterhouse and Bob Leahy our visitors opened their account with a well worked try. Blacks were soon back on the attack as Harry Armitt and Elliott Stanley combined well with Morgan Brown who touched down in the corner after showing good strength to shrug off a couple of challenges. The third period however proved to be altogether different story. The Northwich defence which had been rock solid up to this point suddenly started to wobble badly as the speedy Knutsford backs started to make full advantage of the space afforded to them. 2 quick Knutsford try’s had blacks at sixes and sevens. Tom Gressing and Edward Bruckshaw tried to get the attack going again but the Knutsford defence was equal to the task and as the ball was turned over a further 2 try’s were run in unopposed despite some sterling defensive work from Elliot Johnson, Harry Naylor and Elliott Stanley. The fourth quarter got underway with blacks only 2 points to the good. This lead was soon wiped out however as Knutsford ran in a try to take the lead for the first time. With Northwich really under the pump it says an awful lot for the boys determination that they were able to kick on for victory from an apparent tricky position. A great run from Luke McCormick saw Northwich threatening the Knutsford line as a penalty was awarded to the home side. 10 yards out can only mean one thing – Charlie time! The big man surged forward in trade make style and had looked to have converted with ref Dave signalling a try. Unfortunately the ball had been knocked on just as Charlie was touching down Dave was unsighted but was soon informed by the Northwich crowd and the try was chalked off in a very sporting gesture. This was only a temporary setback as blacks were back on the front foot and finally the pressure told as Charlie got his deserved reward crossing the Knutsford line with a Harry Naylor conversion putting Northwich back into the lead. Knutsford were on the back foot now as wave after wave of Northwich attack came their way and 2 quick fire try’s putting the result beyond doubt. Although they made heavy work of things at times this was another great result for the boys. Once again all made a contribution out on the pitch with scrum half Harry Naylor and full back Thomas Ravenscroft scooping man of the match honours for getting through a real hard defensive shift. Men Of The Match Try Scorers Match Day Squad Elliott Kelsall |