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1st XV Match Data 2007-8 Newcomers Fred Taylor (hooker), Ian Lear (second row) and Mathew Barber (prop) impressed new coach Paul Reid who is determined to take the 'blacks' to a higher level. Reid has completely changed the promoted Northwich's style of play by introducing what he calls a 'chaos' method of rugby. It involves the absence of set moves and relies on players keeping the ball alive and encourages players to play instinctively. The transition has not been easy and warm up matches against West Park and Sale proved somewhat problematic. This was the case in the first quarter at Clay Lane and Bowdon led 3-0 through a Rob Campbell penalty. Northwich persevered and things started to click when Gary Bell kicked his first official points of the season on the 20 minute mark. The 'blacks' took complete control of the game and from then on the relegated Bowdon outfit were no match for their promoted visitors. A perfectly weighted kick ahead from centre Sam Naylor allowed Gary Bell to score the first try of the season for the 'blacks'. Bell missed the conversion and although Northwich kept up the pressure there was no further score before the half time whistle. The second half was all Northwich and Reid used all his substitutes to good effect. Further tries came from Jamie Miritana, Jonathan Simpson and Captain Steve Campbell. Bell kicked a penalty and converted Campbell's try. Reid and his assistant Mike Penny were pleased with the afternoons proceedings and praised the teams determination to embrace their 'chaos' style of play. Northwich: Hill, Fred Taylor, Barber (Thompson 70 min), Farley (Simpson 60 min), Lear, Heywood (Miritana 60 min), Smith, Robinson, Steve Taylor, Bell, Chubb (Allen 55 min) Campbell, Naylor, Galbraithe (Keegan 70 min), Bown. It was all Park for the first quarter and Northwich looked slightly out of their depth in this league. The blacks were outgunned in the forwards and Winnington's Moriarty dominated the lineouts. Further Park pressure provided Elliot with two further penalty attempts which he converted very convincingly and at 13 -0 down Northwich were all at sea. In the second quarter the home team settled down and the number of mistakes decreased and two penalties from Gary Bell gave the blacks a fighting chance. Sam Barton joined the Winnington casualty list and at the break Northwich were still in the game. In the second half Northwich demonstrated their potential and scored two excellent tries. The first came from ex Park player Rick Smith who smashed his way through two attempted tackles to cross the line. It was then another ex Burrows Hill player Gary Bell who uncharacteristically missed the conversion and who was to be off target for the remainder of the game. He missed a difficult conversion when following a Sam Naylor break Adam Bown out sprinted the Winnington defence to score in the corner. At 16-13 up Northwich had the upper hand but there then followed a hectic period when the Winnington pack drove upfield and camped themselves on the Northwich line. They should have scored but eventually, in EDF semi final style, Chris Heywood stole a Winnington 5 metre lineout and Jamie Miritana who had come on for Ian Lear grabbed possession and drove Winnington away from the Northwich line. But there was yet further drama to come when the young Ben Elloit kicked a 'Johnny Wilkinson' to make the score level at 16-16. The ex Northwich referee, Simon McKeen played 11 minutes of injury time and during this period Gary Bell was given two further penalty opportunities to win the game, the first hit the post and the second which was the last kick of the game and was well within his normal range just went wide. A draw on the day at least meant that half of the spectators did not go home and kick the dog but in reality this was a point lost for Northwich and a point won for Winnington. Paul Reid must now work his squad hard and prepare them for the visit to Stockport KO 3pm. Northwich: Barber (Gough 60 mins), Fred Taylor, Davey, Lear (Miritana 55mins), Farley, Heywood, Smith, Robinson, Steve Taylor, Bell, Chubb, Campbell (C), Naylor, Galbraithe, Bown. Replacement not used, Dale. 15th September 1stXV vs Stockport (Away) Lost 29-0 Northwich: Barber (Thompson 65 mins), Fred Taylor, Davey, Haywood, Simpson (Lear 60 mins), Mirtani, Smith, Robinson, (Phillips 50 mins), Steve Taylor, Naylor Campbell (C), Williams, Jones, Chubb, Dale. 22nd September 1stXV vs Broughton Park (Home) Lost 17-3 Northwich were without key players Gary Bell and Graham Robinson and their return next week may prove to be the missing link the 'blacks' require to restore their fortunes. Having said that Northwich are currently rooted to bottom place on minus one point. An administrative error over the summer resulted in Northwich player Rob Jones being mistakenly de-registered and his appearance last week meant that league secretary Steve McCafferty had no option in deducting two points. Northwich are of course appealing against the decision but if necessary they will have to take their medicine. The 'blacks' started well and were rewarded early on through a Richard Dale penalty. They then lost their shape and Broughton, who looked that bit sharper and fitter gradually took control. Rob Obrien kicked a penalty and further pressure resulted in Richard McCabe crossing the Northwich tryline. O'Brien converted and following Jonathan Simpson’s visit to the sin bin for tripping, Richard's brother Ben O'Brien scored near to the posts. Richard O'Brien converted and the half time score of 3-17 did not reflect the competitiveness of the encounter. Ian Lears and Chris James replaced Donny Phillips and Daniel Davey and from the start of the second period Northwich looked a more solid outfit. Both teams played some constructive rugby and although Northwich deserved to score they could not break the Broughton defence. Dave Harvey replaced the injured Rick Smith in the back row and the ex Northwich junior did not look out of place. Scrum half Steve Taylor was having a torrid time and coach Reids decision to switch Sam Naylor from stand off to the number 9 position added fresh impetus to the home teams attack. Kiwi import James Gwynne was moved from the centre to stand off but again, although Northwich came close Broughton kept a clean try score sheet. Next Saturday Northwich visit Lymm in what will be another hard task, KO 3pm. Northwich:- Davey (James 40), Fred Taylor, Barber, Phillips (Lears 40), Simpson, Smith (Harvey 60), Heywood, Miritana, Steve Taylor, Naylor, Dale, Williams, Gwynne, Campbell (C), Bown 29th September 1stXV vs Lymm (Away) Lost 16-10 last season Lymm just missed out on promotion and yet despite missing captain Campbell (world cup Paris) and Farley, Bown and Miritana (all injured), the Blacks could have snatched victory when firstly centre Richard Dale was brought down just short and secondly when the ball was held up over the Lymm try line. Having said that Lymm also missed their chances when they fumbled two clear try scoring chances. All in all it was a tight competitive game which if nothing else confirmed the coaches, the players and the Chairman's view that this will not be a fleeting visit and that the 'blacks' will still be in this league come next season. On the 20 minute mark it was 3-3 after Gary Bell canceled out a Danny Naylor penalty. Kiwi import James Gwynne popped a rib bringing Steve Galbraithe off the bench and it continued nip and tuck until the 'blacks' were dealt a cruel decision when referee Graham Bancroft awarded Lymm a penalty try when he deemed that Northwich deliberately collapsed an advancing Lymm scrummage. Danny Naylor converted and matters were made worse for Northwich when prop Chris James was sin binned for retaliation after 35 minutes. Bell just missed a late first half penalty and at 10-3 down there was everything to play for at the break. In the second half Northwich played their best rugby of the campaign to date and the pack in particular dominated the proceedings. They out mauled and out rucked the Lymm pack and five minutes into the second period scrum half Sam Naylor dived over from the base of a ruck to score the only real try of the game. Bell converted and at 10-10 Lymm were on the rack. Pattenden and Davey replaced Phillips and Barber to keep up the forward momentum but when Lymm did win the ball their backs played them down field and forced the 'blacks' into conceding two Danny Naylor penalties. Both teams then missed their chances but at the final whistle coach Reid was satisfied with his teams week on week improvement. Graham Robinson was the pick of the forwards and Richard Dale is starting to shine in the Northwich back line. Vale of Lune come to Moss Farm this Saturday and the 'blacks' are determined to register their first win, KO 3pm. Northwich:- Barber (Davey 65 min), Taylor, James, Lears, Phillips (Pattenden 60min), Heywood, Simpson, Robinson, Naylor, Bell, Chubb, Gwynne (Galbraithe 20 min), Smith (C), Williams, Dale. Back to Team page Early forward pressure and running rugby produced two team tries from centre John Keegan and prop forward Chris James. Gary Bell who is nursing a torn thigh muscle relinquished his kicking duties to Richard Dale who could not improve the tries but Bell could not resist dropping a goal five minutes before the break to give his team a 13-0 interval lead. Chris James sustained a suspected broken wrist and was replaced by front row replacement Daniel Davey. Reid also brought on Dave Harvey for Jon Simpson. The second half started well for the home team and further flowing play was rewarded when centre Rick Smith cut through the Vale defence to score between the sticks. Dale converted to produce a twenty point lead and a big score looked on the cards. However it was not to be as prop Matthew Barber pulled his groin and Northwich, having used their front row replacement, left West of Scotland exchange referee Simon Long no alternative but to invoke the uncontested scrum rule. This favoured Vale and they came back into the game and they deserved their James Hodder try. Their was further disruption when Dave Harvey injured his shoulder forcing Reid to bring on his final replacement Steve Galbraithe. Following this reshuffle the 'blacks' ran out of steam and their was no further score. Veteran hooker Fred Taylor had an outstanding game and at the other end of the scale 18yr old fullback Richard Dale continued to catch the eye. Reid is determined to concentrate on the league and will probably rest a number of his squad when Gateshead come to Moss Farm this Saturday in the first round of the EDF Cup KO 3pm. Northwich:- James (Davey 40 min), Taylor, Barber (Simpson 60 min), Lear, Phillips, Simpson (Harvey 40 min), Heywood, Robinson, Naylor, Bell, Chubb, Smith, Keegan, Campbell (C), Galbraithe, Dale. Back to Team page Gateshead were a more than competent team but they had no answer to the home teams creativity and forward domination. If Northwich had taken all their chances and had they had the boot of injured Gary Bell to call on then a fifty point scoreline would have been a realistic possibility. The Geordie lads could not produce a single try and relied upon four penalties from Bobby Clarke to keep them in the game. Despite Northwich pressure Clarke gave the visitors an early lead but this was immediately cancelled when fullback Richard Dale converted his only successful kick of the match. Dale is the first one to admit that he is not a kicker and he was unable to convert Fred Taylors two first half tries. Taylor had another outstanding performance and his pick and run style inspired his fellow forwards into creating the gaps and space to completely outplay the North East visitors. Following Taylor's first try Clarke kicked two penalties to take the lead but Taylor's second try put the writing on the wall and the 13-9 half time advantage did not reflect the superiority of this improving Northwich team. Miritana had come on after 30 minutes to replace the injured Graham Robinson and his influential presence made an immediate positive impact. At the interval Reid rang the changes at second row and brought on Ian Lear and Donny Phillips. Their fresh legs kept up the forward momentum and throughout the second period the'blacks' produced some champagne passages of play to create three running tries. The two tries from captain Steve Campbell was punctuated by the try of the match from centre Sam Naylor and although Clarke kicked his fourth penalty Gateshead never really troubled the home team. Veteran prop Jan Cartman came off the bench for his first appearance of the season and with the signing of Sale FC scrum half Scott Haines and the arrival this week from the Gold Coast of the Australian utility three-quarter Stacey Hosking the future looks bright for the 'Blacks'. Paul Reid hopes to have Bell fit for the league visit to Sandbach this saturday KO 3pm. Northwich:- Barber (Cartman 60 min), Fred Taylor, James, Simpson (Lear 40 min). Farley (Phillips 40min), Smith, Heywood, Robinson (Miritana 30 min), Steve Taylor, Campbell (C), Chubb, Keegan, Naylor, Williams, Dale.
Back to Team page Having gone behind to an early unconverted try when Tim Oakes was on the end of a rolling maul Northwich fought their way back into the game and were rewarded with two tries. The first came from a five metre line out when Fred Taylor rucked his way over the line. Richard Dale was unable to improve the evergreen hookers try but had no problem in converting debutantes Scott Haines solo effort. The ex Sale FC convert was wearing the still injured Gary Bells number 10 shirt when he charged down and collected to score his first try for his new club. Northwich dominated the rest of the half but with the last play of the period Lee Pickles closed the gap to 8-12 with the first of his three penalties. Northwich had a lamentable second half and gave Pickles two further penalty gifts. The 'blacks' lacked any structure and although they were clearly the better team they committed mistake after mistake to allow a jubilant newly promoted Sandbach to secure two vital points. Northwich came close on a number of occasions but were unable to convert pressure into points. At vital stages they dropped the ball or were turned over by a more determined home pack. The only consolation was that Northwich knew they were a better outfit than Sandbach and to a man were professional enough to admit that they had shot themselves in the foot and that they must get their act together when Chester come to Moss Farm this Saturday KO 3pm. Northwich: Barber, Taylor, James, Lear (Farley 40 min), Phillips, Heywood, Simpson, Miritana, Naylor, Haines, Chubb (Williams 50 min), Smith, Campbell (C), Bown, Dale. Back to Team page They matched their high flying visitors for most of the afternoon but had no answer to two identical Matt Bellamy tries which were both scored from driving mauls set up from five metre lineouts. Chesters other try was scored by their man mountain winger Matt Sheen. This try was converted from wide out by Mark Bebbington who also converted Bellamy’s late second try. Aussie centre Stacey Husking gave the 'blacks' an early lead following an offside decision and for 35 minutes, despite mounting Chester pressure, the home team hung on in there until back row forward Bellamy scored his first try. At 3-5 down the half time break gave the 'blacks' a little respite but five minutes into the second period Sheen smashed his way through three tackles to give Northwich an up hill struggle. The Northwich pack responded well and a further Husking penalty kept the home team in with a chance but with five minutes to go and following further Chester onslaughts Bellamy struck again to bury any hopes of a Northwich victory. The coach and the squad remain upbeat and who knows they may turnover New Brighton when they travel to the coast next Saturday KO 2.30pm. The 'blacks' are determined to do well against the team which includes three ex Northwich players in Mike Gallimore, John Brotherton and Richard Dales brother Christopher. Northwich: Davey (Barber 40), Taylor, James, Heywood, Lear, Miritana (Phillips 50), Smith, Robinson, Hayes, Campbell (C), Gwynne (Chubb 50), Husking, Naylor, Dale, Bown. Back to Team page This was an explosively charged encounter littered with yellow cards and a sending off after 30 mintes of the Tongan home team captain Katilimoni Tipotuto. The Cheshire No 8 forward and last seasons leading try scorer was dismissed for head stamping when Northwich had rallied and got back into the match through a Stacey Hosking penalty. The penalty was in reply to a well taken blind side run and unconverted try from winger Mark Canham after 20 minutes of ferocious play. Hosking had been sin binned on the 10 minute mark for arguing with some of the refereing decisions and came back on to narrow the deficit to 5-3. The sending off of Tipotuto should have put the visitors into the driving seat especially when the New Brighton second row forward followed his captain into the sin bin 5 minutes later. But it was not to be and if anything the decisions inspired the home team. They held on until the break and for half an hour of the second half Northwich could not turn pressure into points. Their frustration led to yellow cards for Donny Phillips and Jonathan Simpson and it was not until Hosking kicked his second penalty to put the 'Blacks' in front that Northwich looked as though they belived they could snatch their first away win and claim the scalps of one of the league favourites. The visitors held on to their one point lead for 5 minutes but with Simpson in the bin and a nasty elbow injury to star man Jamie Miritana the 'Blacks' gave away an injury time penalty under their sticks. It was manner from heaven for New Brighton and Jimmy Yarrington converted to send his players and spectators delerious with pleasure. Northwich picked up further injuries and Miritana, Adam Bown and Hosking now join Gary Bell, Rick Smith and Ian Lear on a worrying injury list. At least Northwich entertain bottom placed Tyldsley next week when they should win and leapfrog Vale of Lune in the process, KO 2.30pm for a match sponsored by County Commercial Stationers. Northwich; Cartman, Fred Taylor, Davey, Heywood, Phillips (Simpson 50 min), Miritana (Farley 75 min), Pattenden, Robinson (Heath 55 min), Steve Taylor, Hayes, Dale, Hosking, Campbell (C), Gwynne, Naylor. Back to Team page Devastated with the news that Jamie Miritana may be out for up to four months following last weeks elbow dislocation there was further misery when key No 8 forward Graham Robinson was stretched off early in the second half with a suspected broken leg. The first set of x-rays have proved inconclusive but Robbo is unable to put any weight on his right leg and he now becomes the seventh 1st XV player on the injured list. All this is a massive headache for coach Paul Reid and his staff who still have to conjure up a side to face higher league opposition Birkenhead Park when they visit the town in round two of the EDF Intermediate Cup this coming Saturday KO 2.15pm. Tyldesley are already resigned to relegation and realise that they just can't 'cut it' in this highly competitive league but they nevertheless pushed the injury struck 'Blacks' all the way to the wire and eventually came back to just one score behind to register their best performance of the campaign to date. Despite going behind to an early James Robinson penalty Northwich took control and hit back with tries from Chris James and Richard Dale. Scott Hayes converted Dale's left hand corner try and with the first quarter gone an easy victory was on the cards for the home team. Yet again Northwich failed to turn pressure into points and a late first half sin bin for Chris Heywood did not assist the 'Blacks' cause. Matters initially improved after the break when wing forward Pete Pattenden powered his way over the line and Hayes converted from under the sticks but a lapse in marking allowed Tyldesley captain Andrew Dickenson to score a soft try to give his team fresh hopes. These were dashed when following Tyldesley pressure Northwich scrum half Steve Taylor made a clever break to set up his captain Steve Campbell for a 70 yard dash to the Tyldesley line. Hayes converted and at 26-10 it should have been game over. Rob Heath and Donny Phillips were brought off the bench to replace the injured Robinson and Richard Dale but Tyldesley never gave up and late into the encounter a try, conversion and penalty from Alec Gibson gave Tyldesley a very respectable scoreline. Northwich: Cartman, Fred Taylor, James, Heywood, Simpson, Pattenden, Naylor, Robinson (Heath 50 min), Steve Taylor, Hayes, Dale (Phillips 55 mins), Keegan, Gwynne, Bown, Campbell (C), Back to Team page Having said that Northwich never gave up and their tenacity will stand them in good stead when they visit mid placed Rochdale in next weeks league fixture KO 2.15pm. Coach Paul Reid is confident that with the return of talisman Gary Bell that Northwich could come home with their first away victory of this challenging campaign. Northwich were dead and buried by half time after conceding four converted tries. Dave Hall was in magnificent form with the boot as he converted his own effort and further tries from Christian Jones, John Brennand and Andy Trotter. Half time 6-28. In the second half Northwich competed well but in the last quarter they ran out of gas and Hall firstly converted Brennand's second try and just missed out on a faultless performance when he just failed to convert a late Chris Jones try. Despite the score Northwich were by no means outclassed and winger Richard Dale had an outstanding game. Aussie James Gwynne also shone and their was a welcome return to 1st XV duties by hooker Jed Hill. Northwich: Cartman, Hill, Davey, Simpson, Farley, Harvey, Heywood, Heath, Naylor (Fred Taylor 70 min), Hayes, Dale, Keegan, Gwynne, Bown, Campbell (C). Back to Team page 1st December 1stXV vs Leigh (Home) Lost 32-17 Even with their injury list Northwich have a talented squad but they are lacking the confidence to play as a team. This was again the story on Saturday as they continually forced the play and invariably took the wrong options. They started well but slack tackling and marking allowed Wilcock to grab the limelight and score two first half tries. The first came after 10 minutes when he cut through to score between the posts. He converted his try and only just missed converting his second following his blind side break 10 minutes later. He then kicked a penalty and a cheeky Steve Peacock drop goal gave the visitors an 18 point lead before Northwich captain Steve Campbell kicked a penalty with the last play of the first half. After the break matters went from bad to worse when Gary Bell departed the field of play following an earlier knock to his knee. Scott Hayes, who had replaced injured Richard Dale 5 minutes into the first half, took over the stand off duties and although he played with flair the 'blacks' leaked two further tries. The first came from number eight Simon Barton which Wilcok converted and then two minutes later Wilcock picked up a loose ball to score his hat trick which he coolly converted. At 3-32 down with 25 minutes still on the clock a battering was on the cards but Northwich man of the match Sam Naylor had a different view as he turned the game into the 'blacks' favour. Naylor, with perfect timing, intercepted a Leigh attack to score between the sticks, Hayes converted and then following a Naylor 'catch and drive' Hayes converted the resulting Pete Pattenden try to put Northwich right back into the proceedings. For the last ten minutes it was all Northwich as the Leigh pack tired and although there was no further score the 'blacks' at least left the field with some semblance of pride and confidence. Kiwi James Gwynne also shone for Northwich and the pack overall played well. This coming Saturday the 1stXV will be supporting the unbeaten Northwich 2ndXV when they take on Tyldesley in the Halbro Cup KO 2pm. It is Presidents' Day when the great and good of the past and will be at Moss Farm to chew the fat and entertain our sponsors from 1pm onwards. Northwich: Cartman, Fred Taylor, Davey, Simpson, Heath, Naylor, Pattenden, Smith, Steve Taylor, Bell (Johnson 50 min), Dale (Hayes 5 min), Keegan, Gwynne, Campbell (C), Bown.
Coach Paul Reid can now relax over the festive period and face the second half of the season with renewed optimism, particularly given the news that Jamie Miritana is to commence training with the objective of playing before the end of January. Jamie and Gary Bell were absent on Saturday but the return of Graham Robinson and Chris James who joined Peter Pattenden in the Northwich back row provided the platform to produce the best team performance of the campaign to date. This was no pushover for the visitors as Tyldesley, who are desperate to avoid relegation, have recruited from Australia and picked up disgruntled players from neighboring Aspull in an attempt to stay in one of the most competitive leagues in North West rugby. They were a much stronger outfit from when they visited Moss Farm on 10th November and gave the 'Blacks' their last league victory and on their form on Saturday there is no doubt that they will fight to the death to stay up. Tyldesley's new Australian centre Allan Glassie kicked his new club into a three point lead after ten minutes for an offside offence but the 'Blacks' own Australian import Stacey Hosking immediately levelled the score for a similar misdemeanour. Northwich captain Steve Campbell then inspired his men when, following forward pressure, he cleverly kicked ahead and beat the defence to score near the posts. Hosking converted to make it 3-10 but five minutes later another offside decision allowed Glassie to convert his second penalty to keep the home team in touch. The Northwich back row trio was the key ingredient in this game and rampages from Robinson, James and Pattenden produced a critical Chris James try just before the break. Hosking missed the conversion and at 6-15 Tyldesley were in no mood to capitulate. After the break the home team pushed hard but the 'Blacks' defended resolutely to keep a clean try sheet for the first time this season. Further forward domination resulted in a Fred Taylor try in the bottom right hand corner which Scott Hayes was unable to convert. Tyldesley never gave up and Reid brought on Richard Dale, Rick Smith and Rob Heath to give fresh impetus to a determined Northwich defensive blockade. The 'Blacks' resolve held firm and they thoroughly deserved their first away league win.
There was no sign of Christmas over indulgence as the 'Blacks' ripped into their much vaunted visitors and in as many minutes they were 10-0 up courtesy of a Scott Hayes penalty and a short range powerful and individual Steve Campbell try which Hayes had no problem in converting. New Brighton tried to get back on terms and narrowed the gap with a Steve Dean penalty but his effort was cancelled out by a further Scott Hayes penalty and at half time Northwich thoroughly deserved their 13-3 lead. The Northwich pack were in tremendous form and further pressure led to Hayes's third penalty to stretch the lead to 16-3 and with twenty minutes to go the game looked in the bag. By this time Reid had brought on Gaz Davies at scrum half for Steve Taylor and Rick Smith to replace Graham Robinson at No 8. Their additions had a positive effect but also spurred the visitors into a five minute purple patch during which stand off Richard Hopkin cut through to score near to the posts to enable an easy conversion from Dean to cut the deficit to 16-10. Any thoughts of a New Brighton comeback were dashed when with fifteen minutes remaining another Northwich attack saw the ball bounce off Sam Naylor's shoulder into the supporting arms of his captain Steve Campbell to score in the top left hand corner. Hayes was unable to convert, Chris Dale was sent to the bin and the 'Blacks' held firm to register a memorable victory. Northwich to a man played with conviction and commitment and they will need this by the bucket load when they visit top spot Chester in two weeks time KO 2.15pm Northwich: Cartman, Fred Taylor, Davey, Heywood, Simpson, Pattenden, James, Robinson (Smith 55 min), Steve Taylor (Gaz Davies 50 min), Hayes, Campbell (C), Hosking, Naylor, Dale, Bown. 19th January 1stXV vs Chester (Away) Lost 29-0 Chester consolidated their position and are now clear favourites to return to North One, their home for the past few seasons. Man for man they just had the edge on their visitors and had Northwich not fought tooth and nail to compete a fifty pointer was on the cards. As it was the 'Blacks' did hold their own for long periods and had a certain Richard Dale try disallowed after the Northumberland referee Will Halford claimed he was unsighted. Northwich also gave as good as they got in the pack and came close with a few driving mauls but time after time the Chester defence held firm and for the second time this season the 'Blacks' worryingly failed to register a single point. Northwich were insignificant in the first quarter and had no answer to the hosts driving mauls from which forwards Steve Roberts and Ross White scored tries before seasoned centre Simon Verbickas cut through to score Chester's third try. The normally reliant Tom Foden was unable to improve the tries and despite Northwich coming right back into the game Chester reached half time in a commanding and comfortable position. Northwich had a solid second half during which all three replacements were used but they could not hold their superior hosts and conceded two further tries from Gareth Martin and Liam Lawton; Foden regained his composure and converted both to complete the scoring. Jamie Miritana emerged unscathed from his second half return and Adam Bown was the pick of the Northwich team. Northwich by no means disgraced themselves and face a home encounter with Sandbach with a 'can win' approach this Saturday KO 2.15pm. Northwich: Cartman, Fred Taylor, Davey (Gough 65), Heywood, Simpson (Miritana 40), Pattenden (Robinson 60), James, Smith, Steve Taylor, Hayes, Dale, Naylor, Hoskings, Campbell (C), Bown. For the whole of the first half it was ebb and flow followed by nip and tuck with both teams giving as good as they got and it was not until the 39th minute that an offside decision allowed No 8 Lee Pickles to break the deadlock through a well taken penalty. Sandbach had played with the wind at their backs and the 'Blacks' must have been confident of turning things around in the second half. Gaz Davies replaced Steve Taylor at scrum half but he was unable to inspire his pack of forwards to produce the platform in order to seize the initiative. There was no panic when after ten minutes Pickles kicked his second penalty but as the game wore on Northwich appeared to become more and more desperate as the Sandbach defence held firm. It was the visitors who upped the tempo and dominated the loose play and it was the tenacity of the Sandbach pack which brought about the only try of the match as their forward unit drove prop forward Gareth Caen over the Northwich try line. Pickles was unable to convert and with only fifteen minutes remaining Sandbach doggedly held onto their lead and although the 'Blacks' came close to scoring there was no further scoreboard activity. The 'Blacks' remain out of the relegation zone but in order to sustain the status Quo they must beat Vale of Lune and pick up further wins in the fixtures to come. They have the team and ability to achieve this but have they the will, commitment and passion? Northwich: Cartman, Fred Taylor, Davey (Gough 60), Heywood, Simpson, Smith, James, Robinson (Pattenden 60), Steve Taylor (Davies 40), Hayes, Dale, Naylor, Hoskings, Campbell (C), Bown The Blacks started the brighter of the two teams and made inroads into the Vale of Lune territory led by some great carries from Miratana. They were rewarded with an early penalty opportunity which Hayes narrowly missed. The Lancastrians then started to have a say in matters and through some ambitious back play found themselves with an easy shot at goal and went into a 3-0 lead thanks to the boot of Fly Half Foster. This seemed to galvanise Northwich who changed gear and started to put some phases together but too many silly errors led to lost position at crucial times. The best chance for a score came late in the first half when after good build up Richard Dale kicked the ball into the in-goal area only to be tackled late. Much to the disappointment of the Northwich faithful the referee allowed play to carry on and awarded a 22 drop out. The first half finished at 3-0. From the restart it was all Northwich in terms of territory and after 5 minutes some good work from Simpson allowed Steve Campbell the space to score an excellent try under the posts. The conversion by Hayes seemed to cement the Blacks superiority. The most controversial aspect of the afternoon was on the 60 minute mark when the match had to continue with uncontested scrums following the departure of the second Vale of Lune prop. This certainly played in the Lancastrians favour as the Blacks were completely dominant in this area. Nevertheless it seemed that all Northwich had to do was control the ball but all too often possession was needlessly surrendered. Deep into injury time Chris James was yellow carded for handling on the ground and Vale of Lune were given a penalty center field under the posts. With the uncontested scrum rule they had no hesitation in taking this option. Despite committed defending the Blacks could not stop the Vale of Lune forwards driving over the line for the decisive 5 pointer. This was a match Northwich should have won but silly errors contributed to their own downfall. Northwich are now well and truly in the relegation dog fight and will need to pull out all the stops when they meet Lymm at Moss Farm Saturday 16th February KO 2.15 pm Northwich: Cartman, Fred Taylor, Gough (James 50 Min), Heywood, Simpson, Miratana, Pattenden, Smith (Heath 35 Min), Davies, Hayes, Dale, Naylor, Campbell (C), Hosking, Bown.
At the time of Smiths try the game was locked at 8-8. Lymm had scored an early blind side try through Mathew Barnes-Smith which he failed to convert but as the game progressed it was clear that Northwich had the stronger pack and as the game entered the second quarter a rush up field produced a Steve Campbell break to feed Richard Dale who just short of the Lymm line flicked an inside pass to the supporting Adam Bown for one of the best tries of the 'Blacks' up and down season. Scott Hayes missed the conversion but gave his team the half time lead with a thirty five minute off side penalty. Richard Butler evened the scores five minutes into the second half when the 'Blacks' were penalised for going over the top at a ruck. The Northwich pack continued their supremacy and wisely coach Paul Reid sustained it with the introduction of Chris James and Graham Robinson. With fifteen minutes remaining the forward domination was rewarded with Smiths controversial try. Hayes missed his last conversion and now heads off to play rugby in Australia. He will return for next season when hopefully the 'Blacks' will still be competing in North West Two. Northwich: Cartman, Taylor, Gough (James 55) Heywood, Simpson, Miritana (Heath 76), Pattenden, Smith, Davies, Hayes, Dale, Campbell (C), Naylor (Robinson 55), Bown, Hosking.
Buoyed by their win over Lymm the 'Blacks' travelled with a certain amount of optimism to take on 3rd placed Broughton at Hough End Manchester. The game demonstrated that there is no way that Northwich should be in the position they find themselves in. They took the lead at two stages and were 14-10 up at the break only to loose their shape and allow the prolific goal kicker Ronan O'Brien to slot over three second half penalties to keep his team in the chase for a play off promotion hope. O'Brien opened the scoring after ten minutes when a Northwich forward failed to roll away and five minutes later matters got worse when flanker Pete Pattenden was sent to the bin for killing the ball. Fortunately Broughton opted for a scrum which they failed to win and the 'Blacks' counter attack resulted in a penalty for Stacey Hosking. Pattenden was still off the pitch when further Northwich pressure gave Hosking his second penalty to put the visitors in the lead. Northwich gave as good as they got but on the half hour mark Broughton produced a flowing backs move for winger Adam Knight to score in the corner. O'Brien converted against the wind to make it 10-6 but a third penalty from Hosking kept the 'Blacks' in touch and deep into injury time another Northwich driving maul gave Fred Taylor the touch down. Hosking missed the conversion but Northwich richly deserved the interval lead. In the second half the 'Blacks' gave their all but following the rejigging of the pack when coach Paul Reid substituted the slightly flagging Graham Robinson they seemed to loose their shape. Despite Broughton, at different times, having two of their players sent to the sin bin Northwich failed to maintain their forward domination and the three second half penalties from the gifted O'Brien kept the Mancunians promotion dreams alive. The whole team played well but man of the match was Chris James who seems to have found his best position at hooker, the position his proud dad Barry held for over twenty years, it must be in the blood! The 'Blacks' thoroughly deserved this impressive victory against promotion contenders Stockport and it was all down to the intensity and sense of purpose displayed by the whole Northwich team. They were first out of the blocks and pressured the visitors from the off and Aussie Gold Coast winger Stacey Hosking produced a dream start when he dived over in the bottom right hand corner after only five minutes of play. He then composed himself to convert from the touch line to prove his often underestimated kicking ability. He then came close to stretching the lead when a long range penalty just fell short. The 'Blacks' kept up the momentum and a powerful Rick Smith break and off load created the space for Jonathan Simpson to score under the posts. Stacey converted to produce a first quarter 14-0 lead. Stockport picked themselves up and started to get back into the fray. Stand off Tom Eaton began to look dangerous and on the 35 minute mark he set up winger Greg Newton for a deserved try. The conversion was missed and the 'Blacks' held on to the half time whistle. The second half was a war of attrition with each side giving as good as they got. Both teams defended resolutely but as the game wore on it was the hosts who looked the more dangerous and flanker Pete Pattenden was unlucky not to be awarded a push over try. Coach Reid sensibly only made one late substitution when he replaced prop Gez Gough with Daniel Davey. This meant that the 'Blacks' kept their shape and No 8 Graham Robinson gave a full 80 minute man of the match performance. Northwich entertain Wilmslow in the semi final of the Cheshire Vase KO 2.30pm. Wilmslow have already realised promotion and will provide a real test for what will be a slightly under strength Northwich. Chris James is visiting friends in Australia and Jan Cartman is also unavailable. Northwich were in a determined mood and this deserved victory gives them the opportunity to retain the Vase when they take on Sandbach in the final at Winnington Park on Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May. The hosts impressed from the start but it took until the 20 minute mark before skipper Steve Campbell sliced through the defence to set up Fred Taylor for the first score. Stacey Hosking, who is developing into a fine kicker, converted from wide out and five minutes later stretched the 'Blacks' advantage when Wilmslow strayed offside. Northwich pretty much wrapped up the tie when five minutes before the break a flowing three-quarter move set up 'Aussie' Hosking for the second try of the game. The conversion hit the upright but at 15-0 down Wilmslow had a mountain to climb. Wilmslow made a real fist of it in the second half and were rewarded early on through a Bob McCallam penalty. The 'Blacks' went through a rocky period but their defence was resolute and as the game entered the last quarter it was put beyond doubt when Stacey Hosking converted his second penalty. Assistant coach Danny Townsend used his bench to good advantage and gave early second half starts to hooker Jed Hill and debutante second row forward Will Oultram. Both added fresh impetus but it was a superb blind side break from stand off Richard Dale which provided the icing on the cake for the home team. The ever improving Dale danced through the narrowest of gaps to sprint 50 metres to set up the supporting Chris Heywood for the try of the match. Hosking converted to give the 'Blacks' victory and renewed confidence for their crucial league visit to neighbours Winnington on March 29th KO 3pm. Northwich: Gough (Hill 55), Taylor, Davey, Heywood, Heath (Oultram 60), Pattenden, Miritana, Robinson, Naylor, Dale, Chubb, Smith, Campbell (C), Hosking, Bown. This was a typical 'tight' derby encounter with both teams giving everything they had got but it was spoilt by the atrocious weather which prevented both sides from displaying their real qualities. The match, sponsored by Eric Johnson Electricians attracted a healthy gate but yet again failed to produce a 'classic.' There was only one try in it, scored after 11 minutes when the 'Blacks' back row forward Jamie Miritana broke through the Winnington defence to set up a driving maul for second row Chris Heywood to claim the glory. Stacey Hosking converted to make it 7-0 and from then on Northwich never relinquished the lead. The driving, bitter conditions meant that there was little to show in terms of flowing rugby and in a game littered with mistakes, niggling penalties and 3 yellow cards the remainder of the points scored came from the boot. After 25 minutes, following a pulling down offence, Park fullback Nathan Archer kicked a penalty but this was cancelled out 5 minutes later when Hosking punished a 'handling in the ruck' error. Five minutes from half time the 'Blacks' Rick Smith was judged to be holding onto the ball and Archer put over his second penalty to give Park a chance at the break. The weather and the standard of play deteriorated in the second half and in a battle fought at close quarters 3 yellow cards were shown in the space of 7 minutes. The first was shown to Park's second rower Carl Patterson for not rolling away, the second three minutes later for the same offence witnessed the 10 minute dismissal of the 'Blacks' centre Rick Smith and the third foray into the referees pocket followed a spear tackle by the diminutive 'Blacks' scrum half Gaz Davies. With two men off the field and the 'Blacks' in some disarray Coach Paul Reid pulled off Adam Bown and sent on utility man Sam Naylor to firstly stem the flow at scrum half until the return of Davies and then to shore up the defence at full back for the remainder of the game. It was whilst the 'Blacks' were short staffed that the game was effectively won with a real touch of class from the impressive stand off Richard Dale who judged the wind perfectly to kill off Park with a 35 metre drop goal. This knocked the stuffing out of a proud Winnington and a second penalty from Hosking five minutes from the end put paid to any hopes of avoiding relegation. The Patterson brothers, Mark and Carl were the backbone of the Winnington effort but the conditions and consequent style of play suited the 'Blacks' No 8 Graham Robinson down to the ground and Winnington's President Roy Palin has no hesitation in naming him as the man of the match. Northwich have a cup break this weekend before entertaining Rochdale KO 3pm on 12th April but it looks as though the 'Blacks' league future will go right down to the wire when they visit Leigh on April 19th. Northwich; Cartman, Taylor, Gough (Davey 50), Heywood, Simpson, Miritana, Pattenden, Robinson, Davies, Dale, Chubb, Smith, Campbell (C), Hosking, Bown (Naylor 60). A try in the dying moments against visitors Lymm kept Vale of Lune in the relegation dog fight and they are bound to give it all they have got when they travel to Sandbach on Saturday. The only sure fire way to survival for Northwich is to keep winning and if they repeat their first half performance they gave against Rochdale they could reverse the December 1st 37-17 defeat by Leigh. This was the 'Blacks' fifth victory on the bounce and they comprehensively took Rochdale apart in the first half and led 15-0 at the break. Stacey Hosking converted from the touchline to cap his 4th minute blind side try and ten minutes later he kicked his only penalty of the encounter to secure a 10 point margin. It was all Northwich and the forwards took advantage when Rochdale prop Redman was despatched to the sin bin for handling in the ruck near to his own try line. Northwich decided to take a scrum and from the resulting play wing forward Peter Pattenden forced his way over the line. Hosking failed with the conversion but the half time score looked ominous for the visitors. The result was sealed for the 'Blacks' ten minutes into the second half when following a Northwich scrum stand off Richard Dale cut through the oppositions defence to score near the posts. Hosking converted and at 22-0 there was no way back for Rochdale. For the last half hour Northwich lost their shape and confidence and although Reid brought on all three subs Rochdale made a fight of it and deserved their Phil Cowburn consolation try. Reid will be working his men hard on Tuesday and Thursday and with no injuries he has the same squad to choose from. KO is 3pm at Leigh and the 'Blacks' will need all the travelling support they can muster. Northwich: Cartman, Taylor, Gough (Davey 3 mins following head injury), Simpson, Heywood, Pattenden (James 55), Miritana, Robinson, Davies, Dale, Chubb, Smith (C), Naylor, Hosking, Bown (Calbraithe 65min). In one of the most nerve racking relegation dog fights it was the 'Blacks' who kept their nerve and form to finish the league campaign on a high by beating a full strength Leigh XV on their own midden. The result reversed a 32-17 Moss Farm defeat in December and demonstrates the 'Blacks' improvement and provides the opportunity to do well in this league next season. In the end it would not have mattered as Sandbach relegated the 'never say die' Vale of Lune to join Tyldesley and Winnington in lower league action for the 2008/09 season. Leigh were in no mood to be influenced by the large, vociferous Northwich contingent and started with a bang. They not only looked the part but the early encounters looked ominous for the 'Blacks' and a 4th minute penalty from Leigh's Ian Wood reflected their initial superiority. The 'Blacks' appeared to take stock and following some big defensive tackles they grew in stature and Stacey Hosking levelled the score through a 9th minute penalty. For the remainder of the first half it was all Northwich. After 15 minutes Jonathan Simpson tenaciously picked up a loose ball to Gaz Davies who in turn fed the supporting Adam Bown to out strip the Leigh defence and score a well deserved try. Hosking converted as he did 10 minutes later when Jan Cartman touched down following a 20 metre trundling rolling maul. The 'Blacks' completed their tally on the half hour when the 'back to form' Jamie Miritana broke clear and set up a try for Aussie Hosking which he was unable to convert. At 3-22 Leigh could have capitulated but they were having none of it and in first half injury time prop forward Craig Anthony mauled his way over the Northwich try line. Wood converted from the touch line to keep his team in the fight. The second half was explosive, passionate stuff with both teams playing to their limits; the 'Blacks' determined to win and Leigh intent on sending them down. Decision after decision suddenly seemed to go against the 'Blacks' and a Wood penalty cut their lead to 13-22. Coach Reid revamped his front row and brought on Chris James and Gez Gough but if anything this put the Northwich pack under more pressure and mid way through the second half Wood kicked his 3rd penalty to put Leigh in real contention at 16-22. Northwich to a man dug deep, kept their nerve and shape and slugged out the last quarter to win a thrilling match and register their fifth straight win. Northwich: Cartman (Gough 55), Taylor, Davey (James 55), Heywood, Simpson, Miritana, Pattenden, Robinson, Davies, Dale, Bown, Smith (C), Naylor, Chubb, Hosking |