© Copyright

8th August 1stXV vs Stockport (Home) Won 30-24
Northwich played some great rugby and with Stockport were a class apart from anything else.

Despite a failing to score against Aldwinians in a game that ended in a 0 - 0 draw, Northwich topped their group and faced runners up from the other group, Beverly, who are a National 3 side. Despite being the first points that the blacks conceeded, they pressed on to over turn the 10 - 12 half time deficit to run out 29 - 12 victors and set up a final with old rivals Stockport. The final lived up to its billing and the sizable Northwich crowd remonstrated long and loud at the ref when he missed a clear forward pass to set up Stockports opening score. The game went end to end and although Stockport enjoyed the lead, Northwich kept clawing it back. With seconds to go Northwich were 17 - 14 down but on the attack, Campbell floated a kick wide and over the heads of the solid Stockport defence but the kick was fractionally too heavy and the ball just beat Joel Barber into touch. Stockport drew a huge sigh of relief when the ref blew immediately for full time.

Northwich were so narrowly defeated, but showed huge potential in matching up to these National 3 sides and matching or bettering them

You are invited to view Ken's photo album: Oldham 10's

15th August 1stXV vs Stockport (Home) Won 30-24
Northwich welcomed Stockport to Moss Farm this weekend in the first of the pre-season warn up games. Stockport are a league higher and the plan was to play 3 x 30 sessions to allow for squad rotation. Northwich sported a sizeable squad, although they were missing 6 first team regulars.

Northwich started with their strongest side and a significant wind to their backs and attempted to capitalise on it early on, however, such was the strength and direction of the wind that it proved hard to keep the ball in play. The first points came following a Stockport line out throw that found Chris Heywood unmarked in the middle of the line - he sprinted up field, but was stopped in the 22. The recycled ball went through several phases until Stockport were adjudged off side in the backs and Dodo stepped up to take the first 3 points of the game. Northwich proceeded to keep Stockport penned in their own half with some fine defensive work. This built frustration in the Stockport camp as it was nigh on impossible to kick out of defence against the wind and the Northwich defence left them no holes to exploit. Eventually Stockport were again pinged for coming in at the side of a ruck and Dodo duly stepped forwards and doubled Northwich's lead. A good break by Chris Dale almost lead to a try in the dying minutes of the segment, but the final pass did not stick and the chance was lost. So 6 - 0 Northwich at the break.

Squad for the first session was Northwich:- Gough, Moxon, Brotherton, Farley, Nigel, Heywood, Robinson (Williams 10) , Naylor, Gallimore, Dodo, Dale(C), Chubb, Dale(R), Barber, Bown.

Northwich now totally changed the squad, bringing on a team of 2nd teamers and Senior Colts to try and play into the wind, against the weakened Stockport team (worth remembering that Stockport 3rds were promoted out of the same league as Northwich 2's last season).

Stockport kicked off and Northwich immediately felt the force of the wind as they tried to clear their lines only to find the ball coming back over their heads towards the posts. However, it was knocked on by Stockport before it was grounded. The resulting scrum showed that Stockport had an advantage in this area with a heavier unit and proceeded to wheel the Northwich scrum almost at will. The ref did not see that any of these wheels were deliberate and allowed it to continue. Northwich played for approx 10 mins, pinned in their 22 without the firepower in the scrum to give a platform for the backs to run out of defence. Eventually Stockport 5m scrum was wheeled to the right and set their 8 on a course for the Northwich winger who was stood on his tryline. The best efforts of Williams and Heywood (who had now replaced Naylor) were not enough to prevent the score. The kick however was unsuccessful so Northwich still held a slender lead.

During the break Houghton was replaced by Bell, Phillips was replaced by Lamb, Rooster by Lawler and Senior came on onto the front row.

The restart gave Northwich their first trip into opposition territory and through some good handling and support play they forced themselves into a useful position, however, turnover ball lead to a fine kick which looked to be going out on the Northwich 5m. However, it was fielded by the winger, who recovered the ball and proceeded to pass it to his counterparts feet. Stockport pounced on the loose ball and greatfully accepted the gifted 7 points.

Northwich restarted and looked for a platform to build from. The scrum being more solid since the introduction of Carl Senior. However, resulting scrum from the kickoff was reset several times, evetually the ball being flyhacked on by Stockport only to go dead. The crowd were puzzled by the decision of a 22 drop out rather than scrum back from where the ball was kicked.

The drop out was well fielded and played from right to left, where it found a large back rower who broke 2 tackles on his way under the sticks.

So Northwich lost the 2nd segment 19 - 0 playing into the wind, overall score now 6 - 19.

Northwich kicked off the third segment, with the wind again on their backs and roughly back to full strength. From the kick off Stockport looked to have committed an obvious offside, which was missed by the ref, but who redeemed himself seconds later by pinging them for in at the side of the ensuing ruck. Dodo calmely slotted the 3 points. 9 - 19.

Stockport kicked off and from the first scrum they ran a training ground move that opened up Northwich and had them scampering close to the posts for what looked like a certain 7 pointer. However, upsteps Matt Bebbington, the Northwich 10 from last season and proceeds to pull the shot to the left of the posts. 9 - 24

Northwich continued to press their visitors and it was not long before a defensive fumble over the line was pounced upon by Chris Dale and Dodo again added the extras. 16 - 24.

This final segment was played in 2 halves to even up the wind advantage and that was the score at the half. As Northwich faced the last 15 mins into the wind, it looked like saving this game was going to be a huge task.

However, their defence again stood up to the task and before long scrum half Gallimore had ducked under the tackles of the sizeable Stockport forwards and was scampering off up field looking for support. The move was eventually snuffed out illeagally in the Stockport 22. Dodo put the ball out on the 5 for the line out. The play from the line resulted in a penalty on the 5m line and quick thinking from Colts captain Phil Williams saw him tap and run the ball diving hard for the line. It was just enough to hit the white wash. The kick into the wind was far from a given but again Dodo showed his class and the ball crept over the bar. 23 - 24 - It was going to be close.

Stockport now threw everything at Northwich determined to keep the advantage and it was looking bad for Northwich as they were pinned deep in their 22. However, just when it looked like Stockport were bound to score, fly half Bebbington again did his old team a favour and put up the perfect pass for Joel Barber to intercept. Joel hit the gas and was gone, by half way he was cruising and he ambled over the line to dot down and win the game.

30 - 24 to Northwich.

A pleasing result and one that will give the coaches much heart for the coming season. With a significant number of regular first choice players missing, this demonstrates that there is some strength in the Northwich squad.

Man of the match was near impossible to pick. All 3 of the guys returning from their seasons at New Brighton played well, Phil Williams did not look out of place in this company but on balance I will award my man of the match to the player coming back from a long injury and who was everywhere today - Sam Naylor.

Pictures, Joel Barber racing away for the winning try, Chris Dale pouncing on the defensive mistake, Dodo slotting one through and Adam Bown wrestling one of the Stockport giants.

Back to Team page

22nd August 1stXV vs Sale FC (Away) Won 26-12
Dodo Muntean took a squad ot 20 players to Heywood Road on Saturday and despite some loose ends to tie up in the scrummaging and lineout department he was well satisfied with the afternoons performance.

He commands a strengthened 2009/10 squad and at the end of the game he told his charges that they were his family both on and off the field and that he considered that if they, like all strong families do, stick together through thick and thin, then this squad has great promise.

Well, time will tell but the 'Blacks' encountered little difficulty in containing and overpowering an ambitious and well organised Sale outfit. Field Marshall Dodo directed proceedings from his No 10 spot but he was ably assisted by his diminutive but influential scrum half general Mike Gallimore. Gallimore added two first half tries to an early Chris James pushover try and with Dodo converting the first two scores the 'Blacks' deserved a 19-7 interval lead. They dominated most of the half but Sale did deserve a well taken converted try.

The second half was a similar story of Northwich superiority and a superbly weighted cross kick from Dodo allowed winger Tom Bradfield to pounce in the corner. Dodo converted brilliantly and at 26-5 it was effectively point proved. The coach then took himself off allowing him to wring the changes and take a closer look at what was going on. Sale scored towards the end but by this time Dodo had no doubt been making plans for for the real opening business of the season when the 'Blacks' travel to Sandbach this Saturday to take on their bogey team in the 1st round of the Cheshire Vase KO 3pm.

Back to Team page
 

29th August 1stXV vs Sandbach (Away) Won 20-13 Cheshire Vase 1st Round
The 'Blacks' earned themselves a Christmas break semi final Cheshire Vase slot after laying to rest the Sandbach ghost by beating their hosts at Sweetooth Lane by three tries a penalty and a conversion to a penalty try and two penalties.

Sandbach had closely defeated Northwich on the past four outings but on this occasion Dodo Muntean orchestrated a deserved victory with some adept kicking and organising an impressive drift defence system.

The 'Blacks' responded to an early Will Cargill penalty with a Muntean penalty followed by a clever blind side break to set up full back Adam Bown for a well taken try. Muntean was unable to convert against a strong first half wind. The visitors continued to impress and Muntean superbly weighted a kick ahead to allow centre Chris Dale to collect and sprint his way to the line. Muntean again failed to master the strong wind but with a 13-3 interval lead and the wind at his back he was confident of taking the tie.

His confidence and that of his squad was bolstered further when early in the second half Chris Dale made a break and floated a long pass to set up winger Tom Bradfield for a try in the corner which Muntean could not improve upon. At 20-3 Northwich should have tightened their grip but instead they became indisciplined and lost some of their shape. Sandbach pressed and were awarded a penalty try when hooker Bob Moxon was yellow carded for bringing down an advancing maul. Matters deteriorated when the 'Blacks' impeded play and gave Cargill his second penalty to put Sandbach just one score adrift. Further indiscipline in the form of an illegal tackle dispatched Chris Dale to the bin but the 'Blacks' held out to clinch a deserved win

Back to Team page

5th September 1stXV vs Burnage (Away) Lost 22-19
Dodo Munteans first taste of defeat in a Northwich shirt was a bitter pill to swallow and he was the first to point out that his off day with the boot was a contributory factor. The other main factor was that the 'Blacks' were caught cold and after the first quarter they were 19-0 down and were faced with a mountain to climb.

Burnage, newly promoted into North One West, are very ambitious and have recruited some quality players from the national leagues. They were quickly into their stride and from a ten metre lineout Ralph Lawson was on the end of a well controlled rolling maul to secure the first league try for the Varley Park outfit. Adam Knight missed the conversion but from the resulting kick off he was fed possession and broke the Northwich defence to score between the sticks; he had no problem with the conversion. The 'Blacks' attempted to rally but ten minutes later Lawson landed a killer blow by scoring his second try. Knight converted and a comprehensive battering was on the cards.

Muntean instucted flying winger Joel Barber to come off the bench and replace Tom Bradfield. Two minutes later, with his first touch, Barber carved through the Burnage players with a 70 metre charge to be brought down just short of the line. Burnage bungled the resulting scrum and Chris James pounced on a loose ball to give Muntean an easy conversion. The Romanian international then missed a 'within range' penalty but at least the 'Blacks' started to look as though they could compete on equal terms. They continued to press and were unfortunate to give a late first half penalty for Knight to convert. The interval came and at 22-7 the mountain was as high as ever.

Kiwi prop Kiearan Coll and new back row signing Ryan McKibbin were brought into the fray and foot by foot the 'Blacks' began to scale the mountain. The 'Blacks' dominated the second half and Burnage were unable to add to their account. Centre Chris Dale scored twice, the first from a Coll break and the second followed a slick Muntean maneouver. Muntean had no problem with the second but sliced the first conversion. At 22-19 and with 15 minutes on the clock the summit was within reach. The 'Blacks' came so close on three occasions but the gritty Burnage defence held good. Northwich were awarded a penalty as the last play of the game. Muntean kicked from wide out, the ball hit the upright and went wide. Burnage were delirious.

The 'Blacks' have a fine squad and with some refining should hold their own. This Saturday Chris Dale is on fire fighting duties and Graham Robinson is away getting married. Otherwise Muntean has a full squad for the visit of Leigh KO 3pm.

Northwich; Brotherton, Moxom (McKibbin 40 min), Gough (Coll 40 min), Farley, Heywood, Miritana, Naylor, James, Gallimore, Muntean (C), Bradfield (Barber 22), Dale C, Dale R, Bown, Campbell.

Back to Team page

12th September 1stXV vs Leigh (Home) Won 25-11
The 'Blacks' registered their first North One West points with an emphatic win against close rivals Leigh in what promises to be a very tight league campaign. If coach Dodo Muntean had not sustained rib damage, which forced him to relinquish his kicking duties, then this victory could have been far more comprehensive.

The 'Blacks' also need to work on their set pieces, particularly the lineout, if they are to be serious contenders. Having said that it was a gritty back five performance from the Northwich pack which secured the platform to seal a deserved victory.

The home side went in front after fifteen minutes of play when following a charge down Leigh impeded Chris James and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try. Muntean converted but a few minutes later he picked up his injury. He attempted a penalty from which it was clear from the miss that he would take no further kicking duties. Nothwich continued to have the better of the half but on the 35 minute mark Leigh got back into the game through a Terry Knapman penalty. Two minutes later Northwich were awarded a penalty deep in the opponents half and a quick tap penalty from Muntean set up full back Adam Bown for a well taken try which Richard Dale could not improve. A minute into injury time Ryan McKibbin swung an arm and was despatched to the sin bin and Knapman cut the half time deficit to 12-6.

The 'Blacks' dominated a scrappy second half; winger Andy Chubb kicked a penalty before a clever Steve Campbell lob was caught by Richard Dale to put Chris James in for the first of two second half tries. At 20-6 the 'Blacks' had the game in the bag and there was no doubting the outcome when scrum half Mike Gallimore broke from the base of a scrum to put Ryan McKibbin in the clear. Chubb missed both conversions before Leigh mounted a late rally and were rewarded with an unconverted David Wood try.

This Saturday the 'Blacks' travel to the improving Liverpool St Helens, KO 3pm, for what will be another close encounter.

Northwich: Brotherton, Moxom, Coll (Gough 70), Smith (C) (Wood 70), Heywood, Naylor, James, McKibbin, Gallimore, Muntean, Chubb, Campbell, Dale R, Barber, Bown.

Back to Team page

19th September 1stXV vs Liverpool St Helens (Away) Won 24-16
The 'Blacks' produced some vintage play at the home of the World's oldest open rugby club and climbed to joint 4th place in the process. Northwich, mainly through the work of Bryan Johnson, Rob Heath and Jan Cartman have assembled a squad of real promise and if they can stay relatively injury free they could well be in the promotion mix come the end of the season.

This was an intense encounter between two promising teams but it was the 'Blacks' who eventually got the upper hand and with threequarters of the game gone and the score at 6-24 they had the game in the bag. Typically, Northwich loosened their grip and yellow cards for Adam Bown (high tackle) and Chris Heywood (persistent coming in from the side) allowed LSH to mount a late rally and two unconverted tries from Martin Gambles and Ian Stanley gave the home team a somewhat false sense of respectability.

Player coach Dodo Muntean had his best game of the campaign so far and although he delegated the spot kicks to Richard Dale his line kicking and general decision making played a significant role in this decisive victory. Despite a bright start the 'Blacks' went behind to a Matty Cunliffe penalty but on the 20 minute mark Muntean broke through the defence, Steve Campbell carried the ball forward to set up winger Joel Barber for a try between the sticks. Richard Dale, who had an outstanding game, converted to throw down the gauntlet to their once much vaunted opposition.

New signing, back row forward Ryan McKibbin was in fine form but he seems to live on the edge and for the second match in succession he was dispatched to the bin for a deliberate off side infringement. Cunliffe converted from the penalty to make it 6-7.

'Blacks' skipper Rick Smith is getting back to his former self and seems to have found a natural berth in the second row. He made an incisive break and was brought down just short of the line; LSH infringed at the resulting ruck and Dale slotted over an easy penalty to give the 'Blacks' a 6-10 half time advantage.

Muntean continued to dictate the proceedings and from an attacking position kicked a perfectly weighted lob for centre Richard Dale to collect and score under the posts. Dale converted his try and the 'Blacks' smelt blood. What followed was the best Northwich, al a mode Roger Blake try, scored for many a year. McKibbin collected the ball on the half way line and went on a charge; he bulldozed the opposing forwards before the cavalry arrived and propelled him further forward. The ball emerged and went ping, ping, ping along the 'Blacks' backline for full back Adam Bown to score in the corner. To crown a magnificent try Dale converted from the touchline. The game was won and the LSH rally came to late.

Northwich entertain Lymm at Moss Farm this Saturday KO 3pm for what should be a pulsating game.

Northwich: Wood (Coll 55), Moxom, Brotherton, Smith (C), Heywood, McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimour, Muntean, Chubb (Allmack 65), Campbell, Dale R, Barber, Bown.

Back to Team page

26th September 1stXV vs Lymm (Home) Won 16-15
Lymm came to Moss Farm as joint league leaders with an impressive 21 match unbeaten run and went away ruing a string of missed kicks which in the end cost them dearly.

This was a match which promised flowing rugby from two teams on the top of their game but although free flowing passages were in little supply the encounter was intense and brutally physical. For both teams this was their hardest test so far and in the final analysis it was the 'Black's' sheer will and determination, particularly in defence, that saw them through. Lymm seized the initiative after 15 minutes of play when Scott Harrison was on the end of a push over try. Full back Joe Knowles converted and although he later kicked a penalty to grab a 9-10 interval lead he missed a later conversion and three penalty attempts which could have easily given a different spin to this pulsating contest.

The 'Black's' first half points all came from the boot of coach Dodo Muntean who literally never put a foot wrong. His first penalty, a 35 yard beauty was followed by the most audacious drop goal from 5 yards within his own half. Some spectators considered that it had just dropped short but referee Baynham had no hesitation in raising his arm. This boosted Muntean’s confidence and a further 30 yard effort was slotted over with consummate ease to give the 'Black's a 9-7 advantage. In the last play of the half centre Chris Dale was yellow carded for deliberately killing the ball and Knowles took his opportunity.

The second half was as close and nerve racking as the first. Each side scored a try, the 'Black's' first with Steve Campbell bursting through to finish off a blind side break from Mike Gallimour and the second from Lymm winger Jack Johnson who completed a rare but typical threequarter line try. The difference was that Muntean had no difficulty in converting from between the sticks and Knowles who had shot wide with earlier penalty attempts had no chance in converting from the touch line. The 'Black's managed to survive a further sin bin period when Gallimour mouthed off to the referee but the Black's' as a whole must learn to keep their discipline because one of these days it will be their undoing.

The 'Black's' travel to New Brighton to take on the seasiders and will be without ex NB centre Chris Dale who will be resting a damaged heel. KO 3pm.

Northwich: Wood, Coll (Moxom 30, Farrow 75), Brotherton, Heywood, Smith (C), Miritana, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimour, Muntean, Barber, Dale C (Chubb 50), Dale R, Campbell, Bown.

Back to Team page

3rd October 1stXV vs New Brigton (Away) Lost 26-14
Just when proceedings were looking good for the 'Black's' events conspired against them and coach Muntean was forced to take a vastly depleted squad to a very windy Hartsfield on Saturday afternoon.

A combination of injuries and work commitments meant that there was no Dale brothers, no Steve Campbell, Graham Robinson or Sam Naylor and Chris James was serving the last week of his 3 week ban from last seasons red against Sandbach. The 'Black's' do have a stronger squad than in the past and they put up a solid display against a full strength NB but in the final analysis they were second best to a team who played to their strengths and to the conditions and who deserved to win on the day.

Northwich were forced to play with a very strong wind at their backs and needed to build a comfortable half time lead if they were to have any chance of coming away with a result. The seasiders played a one dimensional but effective pick and drive game and although Dodo Muntean kicked two drop goals and a penalty, half time was approaching and it was clear that nine points would not be enough to have in the bank. Matters were made worse when with a few minutes of the half left Northwich prop John Brotherton was sin binned for killing the ball. NB took full advantage of the situation and scored tries either side of the interval. The first from winger Gaz Simpson which Steve Dean had no chance of converting and the second a penalty try for interfering when the NB scrum looked certain to gain a push over try. Dean converted to take a 12-9 advantage and with the wind at their backs NB were favourites to win.

Northwich winger Joel Barber, who is gifted with the most deceptive turn of pace, scored a great individual try when he cut through the central NB defences but it was too far out for Muntean to convert. The 'Black's' lead was short lived; Dean kicked a penalty to snatch back the advantage and the match was effectively over when NB centre Andy Signal took advantage of some slack tackling and scored a soft try. Dodo Muntean tried to rally his troops but with 20 minutes remaining he sustained a nasty six stitch head wound and was replaced by Chris Dutoy. Rob Heath and Gez Gough were also brought into the fray but there was no stopping NB and Steve Dean kicked two further penalties to give his team a comfortable win.

Northwich are effectively in joint third place but need to get back to winning ways if they wish to remain in the race. They travel to a well performing Wilmslow KO 3pm. Hopefully a fit Muntean will have a stronger squad to select from.

Northwich; Brotherton, Moxom, Wood, Farrow (Heath 50), Heywood, Miritana, Coll (Gough 70), McKibbin, Gallimore, Muntean (Dutoy 55), Barber, Smith (C), Bradfield, Chubb, Bown.

Back to Team page

10th October 1stXV vs Wilmslow (Away) Lost 31-22
This really was a game of two halves at the Memorial Ground with Wilmslow dominating the first and the 'Black's mounting a second half fight back only to be scupperd through a very dubious try which knocked the stuffing out of the under performing Northwich team.

The return of the Dale brothers and Graham Robinson should have added impetus to the 'Black's' bid to register their second away win but with coach Muntean recovering from last weeks head injury and still without Steve Campbell and Sam Naylor they seemed to lack direction and more importantly decisiveness. The 'Black's' also have a problem with self discipline and the sending off of Graham Robinson in the 75th minute means that with seven games gone the 'Black's' have yet to end a game without picking up at least a yellow card. Coach Muntean and Captain Rick Smith must nip this in the bud before referee's start looking for problems that may not exist.

The 'Black's' started well and caught the Wolves cold when scrum half Mike Gallimour scored after four minutes from a close quarter blind side break; Richard Dale, playing at 10, could not convert from wide out. From then on it was all Wilmslow and the 'Black's looked out of sorts and had no answer to four first half tries from Chris Lee, Jack Walmsley, Charlie Mulchrone and Jordan Kennedy. Wilmslow stand off Bob MacCallum converted three of the tries and an earlier Richard Dale penalty made a half time score of 26-8 leaving the punch drunk 'Black's' with a seemingly impossible mountain to climb.

Circumstances dictated that winger Joel Barber switched places with Richard Dale and early on in the second half Barber started and finished a clever passage to give Dale an easy try conversion to reduce the arrears to 26-15. Another Gallimour break set up centre Tom Bradfield for a deserved score and Dale converted from wide out to put the visitors back in the mix at 26-22. A memorable fight back and victory looked a possibility until Wilmslow gamely spun the ball to centre Chris Lee who scored in the corner. The visiting Northwich spectators, and worse, some of the Northwich players, went bananas as it was clear to all those in close proximity that Lee had a foot out of play before he touched down. Referee Andrew Palmer, who was unsighted, had to rely on the decision of the Wilmslow touch judge who for one reason or another legitimised the try. With only minutes remaining and the game lost Gallimour was illegally poleaxed and Graham Robinson who had only just returned from the sin bin was given a straight red for striking the offending Wilmslow player.

Muntean needs to regroup, get back on the pitch, instil discipline and direct proceedings. This week the 'Black's entertain Sandbach at Moss Farm KO 3pm and need a win to put them back on track.

Northwich; Brotherton, James, Wood, Heywood, Smith (C), Miritana, McKibbin, Robinson (Y) (R), Gallimour, Dale R, Chubb, Dale C, Bradfield, Barber, Bown.

Back to Team page

17th October 1stXV vs Sandbach (Home) Won 34-13
Dodo Muntean is a player coach of international stature and last week he called a players meeting in response to what he rightly considered to be an overall drop in form. He set out terms for his continuation with the 'Black's' and demanded discipline, respect and commitment. The response from his squad was demonstrated by the bucket full as the 'Black's' demolished their bogey team neighbours in a pulsating encounter at Moss Farm.

Northwich, with the return of Sam Naylor and Steve Campbell were at full strength and a bench of Miritana, Wood and Bown evidenced their strong resources. In a first half of high intensity Sandbach were eventually blown away and could not keep pace with an 'on fire' 'Black's' outfit

As usual Muntean was the playmaker and was involved in all of the 'Black's' first half tally of 17 points. After 10 minutes he kicked ahead to set up full back Joel Barber for a try. Muntean converted before Sandbach stand-off Will Cargill reduced the arrears with an easy penalty. Muntean then kicked a penalty before converting the 'Black's' second try which followed a piece of sheer brilliance from winger Steve Campbell. Campbell collected a pass from Muntean, kicked ahead and scooped up the ball one handed to set up Mike Gallimour for an exhilarating try. Muntean converted to manufacture a healthy 17-3 half time score.

Although Sandbach scored early on in the second half through a second Cargill penalty they were never again really in the game. Muntean picked up a loose ball on the half way line and sprinted along the touchline to score in the corner. Dale missed the conversion but Muntean considered the game won and took himself off to orchestrate from the touchline. Injuries allowed Muntean to use all of his bench and total dominance saw further flowing tries from Chris Dale and Chris James. Promising prop forward Carl Senior converted Dales try and just missed out with the second conversion. At 34-6 the 'Black's' dropped a gear and Sandbach were awarded a penalty try as their scrum approached the hosts try line; Cargill converted to give some respectability to what was a very one sided contest.

This performance demonstrated the potential of the Northwich squad and on this evidence they are still very much in the race. This Saturday the 'Black's travel to Tyldesley KO 3pm.

Northwich: Senior, James, Brotherton, Heywood, Smith (C), Naylor (Wood 65), McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimour, Muntean (Miritana 60), Campbell, Dale R (Bown 55), Dale C, Chubb, Barber

More photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=Northwichrufc&target=ALBUM&id=5393881953373889649&authkey=Gv1sRgCMPgg4OgufquaQ&feat=email

Back to Team page

24th October 1stXV vs Tyldesley (Away) Won 35-22
Tyldesley are worth more than their lowly position and battled bravely against the 'Black's' who at times, in the second half, lost their shape and discipline. If Northwich are to mount a serious promotion challenge they need to be more clinical and stick rigidly to Dodo Munteans game plan rather than operating on a fruitless individual basis.

The 'Black's' played intelligently against a strong wind in the first half and when Mike Gallimore, from a five metre scrum, cancelled out an earlier Chris Grobler try to make it one try apiece the betting money was all on Northwich to take complete control in the second period. Mark Dickenson converted Groblers counter attack try and Dodo Muntean had no difficulty in improving Gallimores close quarter effort and at 7-7 with the whole of the second half to play with there should have been no doubting a Northwich victory.

Instead Tyldesley never gave up hope and each time the 'Black's' seized the initiative they came back strongly and with five minutes to go Tyldesley were right back in it at 22-25 through a deserved Jonny Bishop try. Dickenson missed the conversion from wide out and at last the 'Black's responded positively when Sam Naylor, fresh from the bench, set up a cracking try from Steve Campbell. Muntean converted and then with the last kick of play slotted over a penalty to create an unrepresentative final score.

Earlier in the second half Dickenson kicked a penalty to put the home side in front before the 'Black's No 8 Graham Robinson powered over the Tyldesley tryline. Muntean converted and then increased the difference with his second penalty. A typical second close quarter try from Gallimore which Muntean failed to convert made it 10-22 to the visitors but instead of going for the jugular the 'Black's' lost their shape and Tyldesley captain Dickenson converted his own try to make it 17-22. Muntean kicked a cheeky drop goal but the Bishop try gave the home side renewed hope. The rest is history but this was a match which could have gone badly wrong for Northwich who at times played some great rugby but who also, at times, lost their discipline and with it the control of the game.

Northwich now have the luxury of three home games and could, come mid November, be in the leading pack.

Northwich: Brotherton, James, Senior, Heywood, Smith (C) (Naylor 78), Miritana, McKibbin, Robinson (Wood 65), Gallimour, Muntean, Bown, Campbell, Dale R, Chubb, Barber. Sub not used Allmark.Tries, Gallimore 2,

Robinson, Campbell, conversions Muntean 3, Penalties, Muntean 2, Drop goal Muntean.


Back to Team page

31st October 1stXV vs Vale of Lune (Home) 41-5
A full strength Northwich were simply too strong for a youthful and enthusiastic Vale of Lune and if the 'Black's' can maintain their current form next weeks home encounter with Altrincham Kersal could prove to be a defining moment.

In perfect conditions the 'Black's dominated the whole of the first half and their first try, from prop John Brotherton, came from a superbly controlled driving maul. Dodo Muntean converted and then kicked a penalty to create a ten point cushion. Fire officer Steve Campbell was literally on fire and deserved his two tries with Muntean converting the second which Jamie Miritana set up.

Half time came and at 22-0 down there was no coming back for the gritty VOL. Coach Muntean considered the game won and took himself off to give further stand off experience to the promising Joel Barber. Graham Robinson came off the bench to fill his usual No 8 position and Ryan McKibbin was relocated into the centre. Barber looked comfortable in the No 10 role and a well timed kick ahead bounced perfectly for Adam Bown to collect and score near to the posts. Karl Senior converted and did the same five minutes later when a Robinson charge set up a second try for Brotherton. At 36-0 the 'Black's took their foot off the accelerator and following a good period from the visitors Vale full back Adam Birchall scored in the corner.

Northwich responded well and when Sam Naylor broke free on the blind to score in the corner Vale had burst their boiler and there was no further score. This was a sound performance from the 'Black's and captain Rick Smith demonstrated that he is getting back to his best form. With more hard work and determination who knows what this squad is capable of?

Northwich: Brotherton, Moxon, Senior (Wood 60), Heywood, Smith (C), Miritana, Naylor, McKibbin, Gallimore, Muntean (Robinson40), Bown, Campbell, Dale C (Dale R 50), Chubb, Barber. Tries: Brotherton (2), Campbell (2), Bown, Naylor. Conversions, Muntean (2), Senior (2). Penalty Muntean.


Back to Team page

7th November 1stXV vs Altrincham Kersal (Home) Won 17-8
The 'Black's' maintained their title charge with a less than impressive victory against a gritty AK outfit at Moss Farm. Pretty it wasn't but at least the 'Black's' stuck to the task and in the end ground out a deserved win with three tries to one in their favour.

Muntean had to reshuffle his team following a late flu cry off from scrum half Mike Gallimore. Sam Naylor intended to rest a niggling ham string injury but was drafted into the No9 shirt to give some stability to an otherwise full strength squad. The first half was a dour affair with both teams appearing to under perform and AK deserving more than a 5-5 half time score. Steve Campbell scored first following a Rick Smith charge down. Chris Dale picked up and three sets of hands later Campbell touched down in the bottom right hand corner. Dodo Muntean just missed the conversion and AK responded strongly. They had the best of the remaining half and were justly rewarded with a Matt Hulse try. Sean Rogers missed the easy conversion as he did with an earlier short range penalty.

The second half was more pleasing to the eye and early on Campbell intercepted in his own half and sprinted 60 metres to outrun the AK defence. Muntean converted brilliantly from wide out to make it 12-5 for the 'Black's'. Rogers kept the visitors in contention with a penalty under the posts and Muntean brought on Richard Dale from the bench. Northwich now looked the stronger side and Muntean, in attack mode, floated a perfectly weighted cross kick for Richard Dale to collect and score in the same top right hand corner. Muntean missed the conversion but at 17-8 there was no coming back for AK.

Chris Dale and Campbell were impressive in the centres and Ryan McKibbin was the pick of the forwards. The 'Black's' entertain Aspatria this Saturday KO 2.15pm with current form suggesting another two pointer for the high flying 'Team of the Town

Northwich: Brotherton, James, Senior, Heywood, Smith (C), Miritana, McKibbin, Robinson, Naylor, Muntean (Wood 75), Bown, Dale C, Campbell, Chubb (Dale R 55). Barber.

Tries Campbell 2, Dale R,

Conversion Muntean

Back to Team page

14th November 1stXV vs Aspatria (Home) Won 36-0
This was a game that the Cumbrians were never going to win but they battled bravely and prevented the 'Black's' from registering a big score.

The weather did not help but the 'Black's', playing on the 2nd XV pitch, looked out of sorts and with Dodo Muntean resting from a bang on the head they played a one dimensional kicking game. On the positive side Colts stand off James Underhill made his debut and gave a very good account of himself and had no problems in kicking a penalty and three conversions. It was also a much more disciplined performance from the 'Black's' and for only the second time this season they kept fifteen men on the park for the full eighty minutes of play.

Underhill kicked an early penalty but it was half an hour before the 'Black's crossed the whitewash with scrum half Mike Gallimore scoring the first of his hat trick of tries. Underhill converted as he did five minutes later when captain Rick Smith burst through to score his first try of the season. At 17-0 half time came and Muntean replaced Carl Senior for returning prop forward Dara Cairnes. Gallimore scored his second close quarter try early in the second half and Underhill converted with ease. There then followed a long period of play which was dour and scoreless with the Cumbrian forwards sticking the ball up their jumpers. Matters eventually livened up in the last fifteen minutes of play when Gallimore darted through, again from short range, to break the deadlock. Winger Adam Bown gave some respectability to the score when in the last few minutes he danced his way through the Aspatria defences to give Richard Dale an easy try conversion.

The 'Team of the Town' have a free week before they travel to pointless Blackburn for what should be another two pointer.

Northwich: Brotherton, James, Senior (Cairns 40), Heywood, Smith (C), Miritana, McKibbin, Robinson (Naylor 55), Gallimore, Underhill (Allmark 65), Bown, Campbell, Dale C, Chubb, Dale R.

Tries, Gallimore 3. Smith, Bown.
Conversions, Underhill 3, Dale R.

Penalty Underhill.
Back to Team page

28th November 1stXV vs Blackburn (Away) Won 18-0
Blackburn are more or less resigned to relegation but with a couple of new recruits they put in one of their best performances against the 'Black's who never seem to play their best against them. Nevertheless it was another win for the title chasing visitors who now have three crucial fixtures before the Christmas break. Coach Muntean is convinced that with a little more commitment and total teamwork the 'Black's can enter the new year with a real chance of having a go for the title. They will need to get their act together for this weeks visit from the once much vaunted Broughton Park who are snapping at the 'Black's' shirt tails.

Any preconceived perception of a high scoring away win for the 'Black's was soon misplaced and it was 35 minutes of pretty mundane play before Muntean kicked a penalty to break the deadlock against a Blackburn team who looked better than their rock bottom position suggests. A few minutes later Chris Dale deserved his close quarter try which Muntean was unable to improve.

Half time came and went and for most of the second half it was more or less much of the same. Midway through the half, which Blackburn contested well, Mike Gallimore scored from the base of an advancing 5 metre scrum and Muntean had no problem with the conversion. At 0-15 the floodgates might have opened but the 'Black's' just could not get their pattern together and apart from a further Muntean penalty the dogged Blackburn defence held firm.

Northwich prop John Brotherton was awarded the man of the match title and Adam Bown shone in the backs.

Northwich: Brotherton, James, Senior (Cairns 40), Heywood, Smith (C), Naylor, Miritana, McKibbin, Gallimore, Underhill, Bown, Dale C, Dale R (Farrow 60), Chubb, Muntean. Sub not used Wood.

Tries, Dale C, Gallimore.
Conversions Muntean 1.
Penalties Muntean 2
Back to Team page

5th December 1stXV vs Broughton Park (Home) Won 10-9
What a game and what a win as the 'Black's' held out to register their seventh straight win against a valiant Broughton at Moss Farm. In the end it was two tries to three penalties that kept the 'Black's' promotion dreams alive and at this halfway stage of the campaign the 'Team of the Town' have now surpassed last seasons total points tally.

This was a nail biting, pulsating game during which the 'Black's were pushed all the way to the finish but in the final analysis it was the 'Black's awesome forwards defensive performance which earned the home team a deserved victory. Broughton full back Ronan O'Brien kicked three fine penalties to keep his team in contention and late in the second half his long range penalty attempt could have snatched the spoils. As it was it just fell short and further frantic defence from captain Rick Smith and his fellow forwards saw the 'Black's' home and dry.

O'Brien kicked two first half penalties to cancel out a flowing running try finished off by Adam Bown. Muntean was off form with the boot and the 'Black's' trailed 5-6 at the break. Northwich prop John Brotherton had to leave the fray with a nasty head wound but replacement Carl Senior stood his ground and as usual gave a good account of himself.

Broughton had most of the second half play but a superb break from captain Smith set up Andy Chubb who forced his way over the line. Senior assumed the kicking duties but like Muntean his kicking radar was off beam. O'Brien kicked his third penalty and the Hough End outfit sniffed victory but to a man the 'Black's' kept their nerve and ground out a famous win. This was a baptism of fire for debutante Colt scrum half Rob Houghton; he was brilliant.

Muntean and his men will need all their skill and nerve when they visit Leigh this Saturday KO 2.15pm.

Northwich: Brotherton (Senior 40), James, Cairns, Heywood, Smith (C), Naylor, Miritana, McKibbin, Houghton, Muntean, Chubb, Dale C, Campbell, Bown, Dale R.

Tries, Bown and Chubb.
Back to Team page

23rd January 1stXV vs Wilmslow (Home) Won 25-7
This was a resounding reversal of the defeat at Pownall Park in October as the 'Black's' comprehensively beat Wilmslow and registered their eighth straight win. It was total domination all the way and the sending off of captain Rick Smith for a sucker punch after 25 minutes had little effect and the only time Wilmslow troubled the 'Black's was when they were awarded a controversial penalty try with the last play of the first half. A Wilmslow back kicked ahead and when his path was blocked the referee considered that he would have collected and scored. Stand off Bob McCallum converted from under the posts and his was the only Wilmslow name to register on the score sheet.

The home team should have scored more in the first half and if Wilmslow wish to draw any consolation they can at least say that they defended doggedly. Muntean kicked an early penalty to register the first points of 2010 and despite being in full control of proceedings there was no further score until after the sending off of Smith. It was then the Dale brothers who turned the game as they bagged a try apiece. First Richard the younger danced his way through the Wilmslow defence to score wide out and then his big brother Chris went on the diagonal before straightening to again score in the corner. Dodo Muntean was on form and converted both long range attempts. The penalty try gave the visitors an outside chance with a half-time scoreline of 17-7.

Muntean picked up a dead leg early in the second half and took himself off to orchestrate from the touchline. Carl Senior kicked a penalty to stretch the lead and late on prop forward John Brotherton was on the end of a driving maul to seal what was a comfortable and comprehensive victory. Muntean was happy with the drive and determination of his charges and they will need this by the bagful when he takes them to Sandbach this Saturday KO 2.15pm. Brotherton and Graham Robinson had big games in the pack and the brothers Dale shone in the backline.

Northwich scorers, tries, Richard and Chris Dale, Brotherton.
Penalties, Muntean, Senior.
Conversions, Muntean 2.

Wilmslow, penalty try converted by McCallum.

Northwich: Brotherton, James, Cairns (Senior 35 (Cairns 60), Heywood, Smith (C) (R), Miritana, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Muntean (Naylor 45), Chubb (Pattenden 55), Dale C, Campbell, Bown, Dale R.

Back to Team page

30th January 1stXV vs Sandbach (Away) Won 16-11
The 'Black's' promotion train came close to a derailment at Bradwell Road but a gritty second half performance kept them on track as they completed a cup and league treble against their erudite neighbours.

Mike Gallimore took the captains baton from the banned Rick Smith but the 'Black's' were missing their usual sparkle and had to chase the game for the whole of the first half. A Will Cargill penalty put the hosts in front after five minutes of play and matters looked ominous when a few minutes later Chris Dale was dispatched to the bin for an excessive use of his boot in a ruck. Cargill struck again after twenty minutes which at last seemed to spur the 'Black's' into action. No eight Graham Robinson picked up from a scrum in his own half to feed Dodo Muntean who in turn set up Richard Dale for a blistering try in the bottom left hand corner. Dale attempted to convert his try but the kick was off beam.

Sandbach responded well and deserved the try from Neil Baxter as they undid the Northwich defensive back line. Cargill shot wide with his conversion but the hosts deserved their 11-5 advantage. The Dale brothers then combined well and a perfectly timed pass from Richard set up Chris Dale to put the 'Black's' back in touch. Muntean, who was struggling with a thigh injury, could not improve the try. Half time came and with the breeze and the sun behind them Northwich had everything to play for.

The 'Black's' just about had the better of a tense, tryless second half. A Richard Dale penalty and a beautifully crafted Muntean drop goal ground down the 'never say die' Sandbach but it was an awesome defensive display from the 'Black's' which secured this ninth straight win..Muntean will need to rest his thigh but with the recuperated Joel Barber available at least he has options to take. The 'Black's will need to be at their best when they travel to Leigh for their rescheduled league fixture, KO 2.15pm.

Tries, Richard and Chris Dale.
Penalty, Richard Dale.
Drop goal, Dodo Muntean.

Northwich: Cairns, James, Brotherton, Heywood, Naylor, Miritana, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore (C), Muntean (Farrow 70), Chubb (Pattenden 35), Dale C, Campbell, Bown, Dale R. Sub not used, Senior. 

Back to Team page

6th February 1stXV vs Leigh (Away) Won 38-10
Well, if ever there was a game of two halves it was played at Round Ash Park when an 'on fire' Black's outfit demolished Leigh in the first half 31-0 and then capitulated to loose the second half 10-7. Fair enough, injuries to Dara Cairns, Graham Robinson and Sam Naylor resulted in the visitors loosing their shape but a half century score line should have been well within the visitors grasp. Still this was a thumping victory for Dodo Munteans men who have now gone ten matches since they last tasted defeat and if they can just keep winning then automatic promotion into national league rugby may not be beyond them!

Five blistering first half tries completely knocked the stuffing out of Leigh and when Adam Bown scored try number six shortly after the break with Richard Dale converting to make it 38-0 Leigh were dead and buried. Cue the injuries and a yellow card for Chris Dale and Leigh came right back into the game and deserved their tries from David Wood and Ryan McKinstry. Terry Knapman failed to convert both but a morale boosting second half performance will at least give the Lancastrians some hope for their future campaigns.

It is the first half that will be remembered for years to come as the 'Black's' put together some scintillating play on a heavy, energy sapping pitch. The whole team played with conviction and verve; they passed and supported well and at times they really did look in a different league. Chris James and Andy Chubb scored early tries and with Muntean resting his kicking leg Richard Dale was unable to improve from wide out. Leigh settled into it for a while but the 'Black's, spurred on by captain Mike Gallimore, went up a gear or maybe two and further tries flowed from Steve Campbell, Dodo Muntean and Ryan McKibbin. Richard Dale converted all three and despite what happened after the break the game was well and truly won.

The 'Black's' will be going for win number eleven when they entertain Tyldesley at Moss farm this Saturday KO 2.15pm.

Northwich: Cairns (Wood 45 min), James, Senior, Heywood, Naylor (Fallon 65 min), Miritana, McKibbin, Robinson (Farrow 55min), Gallimore (C), Muntean, Chubb, Chris Dale, Campbell, Bown, Richard Dale.

Scores: tries, James, Chubb, Campbell, Muntean, McKibbin, Bown.
Conversions, Richard Dale 4.
Back to Team page

13th February 1stXV vs Tyldesely (Home) Won 43-12
The 'Black's' were jolted into action when the visitors scored a try early in both halves; the first from flanker Jonny Bishop and the second from captain Mark Dickinson when he intercepted deep in his own half. Dickinson converted Bishops 5 minute try but shot wide on his 70 metre solo try. Apart from these two scores Tyldesley were never really in this game as the on form 'Black's' racked up seven quality tries with young Richard Dale kicking four conversions. Coach Muntean was pleased with the afternoons performance and believes that they must simply keep winning to seize this North West One championship.

Three first half tries and four in the second evidenced the difference in class and commitment between these two teams and at times the intensity of the 'Black's' flowing play was a delight to witness. Graham Robinson opened the home teams account from the base of a five metre scrum. Richard Dale missed the conversion but had no difficulty in improving his brother Chris's try five minutes later. Tyldesley fought a battle of containment but Chris James broke the deadlock on the half hour and Richard Dale converted in comfort to create a 19-7 half time score. Dickinson's early interception gave the visitors some hope but it was quickly dashed with tries from John Brotherton and Jamie Miritana. Dale converted the kiwi's try which finished off a superb passage of play. The next try was a 'pearler' when Muntean, near his own line, chipped ahead; Chris Dale collected and interpassed with his younger brother for the latter to score between the sticks. Richard converted and at 38-12 the 'Black's' were home and dry. Chris James cheekily broke on the blind side to score his second of the afternoon and Dale was unable to improve from the touchline. The Dale brothers were in fine form as was their cousin Sam Naylor who shone in the pack.

Northwich travel to the much improved Vale of Lune who have recruited heavily of late for what will be yet another vital match for the 'Black's' KO 2.15pm.
Northwich: Cairns (Senior 55), James, Brotherton, Heywood, Farrow (Barber 40), Miritana, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Muntean (Fallon 70), Bown, Dale C, McKibbin, Chubb, Dale R.

Tries, Robinson, Chris Dale, Chris James (2), Miritana, Richard Dale, Brotherton.
Conversions, Richard Dale (4).
Back to Team page

20th February 1stXV vs Vale of Lune (Away) Lost 8-6
The 'Black's' knew full well that their visit to Powderhouse Lane would be a different kettle of fish from when they crushed Vale 41-5 at Moss Farm last October. Vale, who are determined to stay up, have recruited heavily and wisely and this totally revamped Lancastrian outfit managed to throw a spanner into the 'Black's' title aspirations. This was an intense, brutal encounter between to excellent teams and the spoils of victory could have gone either way but it was the Vale defence, which prevented Northwich from scoring a try for the first time this season, that proved to be the deciding factor.

The 'Black's' who were missing key forwards Graham Robinson and John Brotherton had more of the game overall and just missed out on a couple of try scoring opportunities in each half but it was VOL who scored the only try from a five metre lineout 15 minutes into the second half. It was the line out in general that let Northwich down and when wing forward Danny Lin scored his try it exposed the 'Black's' achilles heel. Forwards coach Yan Cartman is determined to improve this aspect of the 'Black's' play but until he does they will continue to put themselves under unnecessary pressure. The first half hour of play was pulsating stuff with neither side giving an inch but eventually a Vale indiscretion gave Dodo Muntean his first kick at goal and he made no mistake in slotting it between the sticks. The intensity and pace continued; half time came and went and the momentum of the contest grew and grew. Vale went ahead with their unconverted try but Muntean regained the lead with his second penalty kick. With 15 minutes left on the clock Vale winger and stand in kicker James Hodder punished the 'Black's' for an offside decision. Vale sniffed victory and held on with grim death; Muntean could have won it but his long range penalty attempt just dipped under the cross bar.

Vale were magnanimous in victory with their coach maintaining that the 'Black's are the best team in this league and vowed to beat Lymm when they travel to Vale next Saturday. The 'Black's' are still in second spot. This was an upset but all is not yet lost. They must learn from this experience and complete a double header over Liverpool St Helens when they come to Moss Farm this Saturday KO 2.15pm.

Northwich: Cairns, James, Senior (Moxom 60), Heywood, Smith (C), Miritana, Naylor, McKibbin, Gallimore, Muntean, Chubb (Barber 40), Dale C, Dale R, Bown (Farrow 55), Campbell.
Penalties, Muntean (2).

Back to Team page

7th March 1stXV vs Altrincham Kersal (Away) Lost 17-14
This was a bitter pill for coach Dodo Muntean and his players to swallow as they tasted defeat at the hands of fellow second place contenders AK in an intense, closely fought encounter. In the end it was a one sided penalty count which cost the 'Black's' the match and left them reflecting on what could have been an opportunity to retain their grip on the second place position. Instead they must now fight for every point they can get and hope that others in the chasing pack slip up as this pulsating season approaches its climax.

Preparations did not go well when just before the game Dodo Muntean, who had earlier in the week badly scalded his arm, felt ill and placed himself on the subs bench. Steve Campbell took on the No 10 shirt and equipped himself well and for most of the first half the 'Black's' were just about on top. They scored first when Chris Heywood supported a Chris James charge to score after ten minutes of frantic play. Richard Dale converted but five minutes later Chris Stewart converted the first a AK's four penalties. The visitors responded positively but an ill judged kick ahead and two slack tackles gifted AK winger J P Singleton an opportunist try near to the 'Black's posts. Stewart fluffed what should have been an easy conversion and then five minutes later knocked himself cold as he tried to stop a bulldozing Graham Robinson from scoring in the corner. Richard Dale converted from the touchline to give his team a 8-14 advantage. There were no further tries to come but the 'Black's conceded a string of penalties and Steve Davidson converted two of them to level the scores on the 35 minute mark. Muntean decided that enough was enough and put himself on only to be immediately yellow carded for diving into the side of a ruck.

Half time came and eventually Muntean returned but there was to be no orchestrated comeback and midway through the second half Davidson slotted over his third penalty to put AK in the driving seat. The 'Black's' tried desperately to get back into the game but the AK defence held firm. In the last minute of the game the 'Black's drove to within two metres of the AK line but yet another misdemeanour resulted in a yellow card for Heywood and a kick into touch to grant AK game set and match.

The 'Black's' played with real passion and commitment but at times lacked direction and a clear decision maker. It is not over yet but the 'Black's' have a big, big task ahead of them; have they got the will to do it? Next up is a trip to Cumbria for what should be a two pointer, KO 3pm.

Northwich: Heath (Senior 40), James, Cairns, Heywood, Smith (C), Miritana, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Campbell, Chubb (Muntean 38), Chris Dale (Barber 65), McKibbin, Bown, Richard Dale  

Back to Team page

14h March 1stXV vs Aspatria (Away) Won 22-9
The 'Black's' got back to winning ways and leapfrogged LSH as they put in a gritty performance against the once mighty and much vaunted Aspatria. The proud Cumbrians put up a brave fight and although they have accepted certain relegation they pushed the 'Black's' all the way and the game was not sealed until Mike Gallimore scored a typical 'nippy' try in the closing seconds of the game. Richard Dale converted to create a respectable scoreline but the 'Black's will need to do better if they are to secure the coveted second spot.This was always going to be a difficult test but the long drive and a disjointed selection really put the pressure on Rick Smith and his men. Coach Muntean was still recovering from his fight with a steam wallpaper stripper and work commitments meant that both firemen, Chris Dale and Steve Campbell, were absent from the trip up the M6. A reshuffled back line containing wing forwards Ryan McKibbin and Sam Naylor did their best but yet again the whole team gave away far too many penalties.Two tries in each half from the 'Black's' far outweighed the three penalties from Aspatria full back Steven Stoddart but it was his kicks which followed each of the visitors three tries, which Richard Dale was unable to improve, which kept the Cumbrians in the game. Stand in back row Chris James scored the first try from a line out after 15 minutes of play. The second came from a Graham Robinson break which set up Richard Dale for a well taken touch down. Stoddart punished the 'Black's' to keep his team in the chase with a half time score of 6-10. Winger Andy Chubb bagged the third try when he cleverly supported a Richard Dale break but yet again Stoddart kept Aspatria in the mix with his third long range penalty conversion. Aspatria did their best but Gallimore put paid to any shock upset.

Blackburn, who are also all but relegated come to Moss Farm this Saturday KO 3pm. They had a surprising win at the weekend and will want to end the Northwich promotion dream.

Northwich: Heath (Senior 60), Moxon, Cairns, Heywood, Smith (C), Miritana, James, Robinson, Gallimore, Barber (Underhill 40), Chubb, McKibbin, Naylor, Bown, Richard Dale.
Scorers, tries, James, Dale R, Chubb and Gallimore.
Conversion, Dale R. 
Back to Team page

21st March 1stXV vs Blackburn (Home) Won 29-6
In the end this was a comfortable win but the 'Black's' performance was like the curates egg, good in parts! There were some quality passages of play but all too often poor decision making and needless penalties kept Blackburn in the game. Two tries either side of half time created a decent enough final score but midway through the second half Blackburn scrum half Paul Bleasdale kicked his second penalty to make it 15-6 with everything to play for.

Bleasdale kicked his first penalty with only two minutes of the game gone but a clever chip from Dodo Muntean allowed Richard Dale to collect and score a well taken try. Dale missed the conversion but Muntean slotted over the next conversion when hooker Chris James took a quick tap penalty to score without having a Blackburn hand laid upon him. Muntean then kicked a penalty to make the score 15-3 at half time.

Bleasedale again scored early on and although they never looked like scoring a try Blackburn managed to keep themselves in the game. In the last quarter the 'Black's' at last asserted their authority. Number 8 Graham Robinson powered his way over from a close quarter ruck and Muntean had no difficulty in converting. The game was over for the plucky visitors when the 'Black's' saved their best for the last and ran a flowing movement form deep in their own half. Adam Bown finished off this quality try and Richard Dale converted from wide out.

The 'Black's' destiny is in their own hands they just need to keep winning. It could be make or break when they visit the formidable Broughton Park this Saturday KO 3pm.

Northwich: Brotherton, James (Senior 60), Heath (Moxon 40), Heywood, Smith (C), McKibbin, Miritana, Robinson, Houghton, Underhill, Chubb, Muntean, Naylor (Barber 60), Bown, Richard Dale.

Tries, Richard Dale, James, Robinson, Bown.
Conversions, Muntean (2), Richard Dale.
Penalty, Muntean. 

Back to Team page

27th March 1stXV vs Broughton Park (Away) Draw 18-18
To reach the promotion play off the 'Black's' now face the daunting task of having to win all their remaining fixtures and need Altrincham Kersal to slip up on what is considered to be an easier run in. They looked fairly comfortable at Hough End and with a 18-8 half time lead and with the sun and the wind at their backs a win was well within their grasp. The second half however was a disaster. Yes, the referee Mike Barker of the Northern Federation did not appear to have complete control of the game but a red card for Mike Gallimore and two yellow cards for Chris Dale and Andy Joseph meant that the 'Black's played the last twenty minutes with only thirteen men on the park. No matter how well the remaining players responded numbers told in the end. They could simply not contain BP and with two minutes of play remaining BP wing forward Dave Rodgers scored from a five metre scrum and Ronan O'Brien converted to level the score and put a massive dent in the 'Black's' promotion prospects. The start could not have gone better for the 'Black's; Dodo Muntean kicked a penalty after four minutes and three minutes later Gallimore broke on the blind side to set up hooker Bob Moxon for a well executed try. Muntean could not convert from the touch line and on the 11 minute mark BP fullback O'Brien converted his first penalty to keep BP in touch. Two minutes later Chris Dale picked up a loose ball in his own half and despite knocking it on and re-gathering the referee allowed him to carry on and out sprint the defence to score between the posts to set up an easy Muntean conversion. BP had the better of the second quarter and following an impressive rolling maul the ball came out to centre Paddy O'Donnell who deserved his well taken try. O'Brien missed the conversion and the 'Black's' came back into it and their pressure was rewarded with a Muntean penalty on the stroke of half time.

The 'Black's' were under pressure in the scrummaging department and O'Brien kicked his second penalty in the 56th minute to leave a seven point deficit. A few minutes later with the 'Black's pressing forward Rick Smith was kicked in the head, the referee did not see it but Chris Dale took retribution and a free for all followed. The red mist descended on Gallimore and referee Barker had no option but to send him off for landing a clean punch. Dale and the BP hooker Conor Mitchell were sent to the bin and this clearly turned the game in BP's favour. No sooner had Dale returned when Andy Joseph picked up his yellow for handling on the floor. This gave BP added impetus and the rest is history. Regardless of anything else it was the indiscipline of seasoned, quality 'Black's players which resulted in the sending off and sin bins that handed BP the draw. This was a game that the 'Black's, with the team they had out, should have won. They didn't and now they have a mountain to climb. Let us see how they respond when they travel to leaders Lymm on Saturday KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cairns (Joseph 40), Moxon, Heath (Miritana 65), Heywood, Smith (C), McKibbin, James, Robinson (Chubb 65), Gallimore, Muntean, Bown, Campbell, Chris Dale, Barber, Richard Dale.

Scorers, tries, Moxon, Chris Dale.
Conversion, Muntean.
Penalties, Muntean (2).   

Back to Team page

3rd April 1stXV vs Lymm (Away) Won 33-23
Lymm will be promoted champions and deserve it for their performance over a long season. The 'Black's' however can justly claim, having beaten them home and away, to be the best team, on their day, in what has turned out to be a highly competitive and professional league. The two teams, both at virtual full strength, produced a pulsating, passionate game but the 'Black's' richly deserved the win and regardless of their destiny they know deep down that this has been a season of missed opportunities. In the end it was an awesome performance from the pack led by captain Rick Smith which put the Lymm promotion celebrations on ice for a week. Smith led from the front and to a man the rest of the 'Black's' forward unit followed suit. They tackled like demons and fought every step of the way to secure a well engineered victory in front of a bumper bank holiday gate. The score line was to and fro but in the end it was a Mike Gallimore try during which he pulled up as there was a suggestion that he had put a foot in touch but when the Lymm touch judge and the referee waived him on he put his foot on the gas, stepped inside of the fullback and scored between the sticks to seal a famous victory. Richard Dale converted to create a ten point margin and there was no coming back for the dejected Lymm outfit. It looked ominous for the 'Black's' who were ten nil down in as many minutes following an Andy Roberts charge down with a conversion and penalty from Joe Knowles. Immediately the 'Black's' were back in it when Dodo Muntean intercepted a Lymm attack to score and convert his try. After twenty minutes Chris James seized the initiative in diving over from a maul on the Lymm try line and Muntean converted to put Northwich 14-10 ahead. Lymm, who always looked dangerous, edged in front when following another charge down second row forward Lee Pickles forced his way over the visitors try line. Knowles missed the conversion but punished a Chris Dale sin bin with a penalty ten minutes before half time. Half Time: Lymm 18 Northwich 14.

The second half was just as exciting as the first; No 8 Graham Robinson regained the lead from a pushover which Muntean converted but then Joe Knowles struck in the corner to put the home side 23-19 in front. A flowing three-quarter move from the 'Black's' put Joel Barber over the line in the bottom left hand corner for Richard Dale to convert magnificently from the touch line. It was all over when Gallimore scored to send the Northwich contingent delirious and probably wondering what could have been or what possibly still might be!!

Burnage at home this Saturday KO 3pm.
Northwich: Cairns, James, Brotherton, Smith, Heywood, Miritana, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Muntean, Chubb, Chris Dale, Campbell, Barber, Richard Dale. Tries, Muntean, James, Robinson, Barber, Gallimore. Conversions, Muntean (2), Richard Dale (2).

Link to Ken’s photos : http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/sredir?uname=Northwichrufc&target=ALBUM&id=5456211117343966241&authkey=Gv1sRgCIi9quawt5e0Rg&feat=email

Back to Team page

10th April 1stXV vs Burnage (Home) Won 34-20
Spring was most definitely in the air at Moss Farm this week, after the long hard winter, it was a pleasure to watch rugby in the warm. Northwich also had a spring in their step as they took on the latest obstacle to reaching the play-off's, this seasons new boys, Burnage. New boys to this league they may be, but they have made a solid start to their N1W career and join Northwich as being one of only 3 teams to beat Lymm this year. Burnage laid out their stall early and were the first to open the scoring with a well taken penalty on 8 mins. The Blacks kept their cool though and worked to maintain possesion and teritory and eventually Mike Gallimore scampered over to give Northwich the first try, Richard Dale adding the extras. The teams then traded penalties, Burnage taking the score to 7 - 6 in the 22nd minute, only for Dale to respond again for Northwich to restore the gap at 10 - 6 in the 25th min. At this point Northwich realised that they had to press on and in the next 10 minuetes added two tries, the first from Hooker Chris James and the second from number 8 Graham Robinson, Richard Dale converting the latter score and taking the team into half time with a healthy 22 - 6 lead. Northwich know that every point will be prescious as they strive for that play off place, as it may come down to points difference at the end of the day and they pressed on early in the second half with a scintilating score from Stevie Campbell and when Richard Dale added the extras Burnage had a mountain to climb 29 - 6. Dodo brought himself off for Adam Bown, no doubt feeling that the job was just about done, however, Burnage maybe sensing a slight relaxation from the home team and re-doubled their efforts to get back on the scoreboard. A great period of pressure was punctuated by some good running lines which saw them under the posts and the score tick on to 29 - 13. At this stage it was all Burnage pressure, player coach Wayne Morris brought himself into the centres and they battered away at the Blacks defence. Northwich upped their game and got back to the half way line, with little on now fly half  Joel Barber had a stab at a long range drop goal, although he clearly had the range, the kick was well wide. However, Northwich used the field position to mount further attacks and Barber got on the end of a pass in some space and showed his pace from about half way, skinning the defence and scoring out wide. Dale unable to improve this one. The ref seemed to have found a lot of injury time (some of it for himself!) to be played and Burnage were to have the last word in the 82nd min to bring them up to a very respectable 34 - 20, Northwich were looking a little ragged and just wanted to hear that final whistle, however, they had to dig in several times to snuff out Burnage attacks before that sound was finally heard. So, the first obstacle on the way to the playoffs had been crossed and after the whistle the Blacks were to learn that AK had fallen to Wilmslow 22 - 13, but that Lymm had secured the league by defeating LSH 15 - 9. So a trip to the play off's is now firmly back in Northwich's own hands as they have a game in hand over Altrincham, win's against New Brighton and LSH will see them through. 

 Next week Northwich have a league and cup double header against New Brighton, whilst AK play LSH, who can still yet harbour hopes of a play off place should they defeat AK and Northwich and Northwich lose this weekend to New Brighton.  So the playoff's permutation's hang poised like a Hollywood film script, there is much nail biting to be done before this is resolved

Back to Team page

16th April 1stXV vs New Brighton (Home) Won 36-6
Guardian sports reporter Andrew Simpson was bang on the money when he predicted 6 weeks ago that the 'Black's' promotion prospects would go right down to the last game. They now have to at least draw against LSH next Saturday to make the play off for a place in National League rugby but if they can put in a similar performance as they did today then the ambition of President John Cosgrove to take the 'Team of the Town' upwards and onwards remains clearly alive. This was an awesome performance from Dodo Munteans charges as they demolished New Brighton by taking them apart in every department. It was however a game that very nearly did not take place when the appointed referee injured himself warming up. Winnington Park were willing to supply their referee but it transpired that he did not have the sufficient grade to take on the fixture. All credit must go to the Manchester Referees Society for arranging the top flight Nick Christodoulou to travel from Stockport for a delayed 5pm KO

It was a game worth waiting for as the on form hooker Chris James bagged two first half tries which were both converted by Richard Dale. NB could only manage an Anthony Birley penalty to create a 14-3 interval lead for the on fire 'Black's'. Birley gave his team fresh hope when he kicked his second penalty immediately after the break but from then on the 'Black's', led magnificently by captain Rick Smith, went for the NB jugular and tore them apart. Richard Dale kicked a penalty before converting well deserved tries from scrum half Robin Houghton and flying winger Joel Barber. At 31-6 the game was well and truly won but in the last minute of play a break from wing forward Pete Pattenden set up unconverted try number five for the 'Black's' other winger Adam Bown. There were no substitutions needed for this cup and league double header with all 15 of the 'Black's' XV putting in sterling performances. The backs played with flair courtesy of outstanding performances from forwards Smith, Chris Heywood and Pete Pattenden.

With the Cheshire Vase final booked and a play off place to play for the 'Black's' extended season continues at a pace and coach Muntean will be demanding only the best for this Saturdays season defining encounter against LSH at Moss Farm KO 3pm.

This is the opportunity for all sports loving fans to turn up and cheer on the towns successful community rugby club.

Northwich: Cairns, James, Brotherton, Heywood, Smith, Pattenden, McKibbin, Robinson, Houghton, Muntean, Bown, Chris Dale, Campbell, Barber and Richard Dale.

Tries, James (2), Houghton, Barber and Bown. Conversions, Richard Dale (4).Penalty, Richard Dale

Back to Team page

24th April 1stXV vs Liverpool St. Helens (Home) Won 17-13
The 'Black's' had to fight every inch of the way to retain their unbeaten home record and thereby secure a play off promotion clash with North One East runners up Sandal this coming Saturday KO 3pm. Sandals greater points difference gives them the home advantage but surely the 'Black's' will be able to put on a better performance than they did against LSH. They looked out of sorts throughout and by just after the break a string of serious injuries had wiped out the bench. Muntean and his men had to chase the score and it wasn't until the dying stages of the game that No 8 Graham Robinson got himself into gear, made a charge and set up centre Steve Campbell for an exhilarating 'juggling' try to put the home side in front. They held  out for the last five minutes and managed to keep their promotion dreams alive.

Although this was a three tries to one victory LSH were determined to rain on the 'Black's' parade and an 11 minute Andy Dower try and Greg Smith conversion gave them early impetus. The 'Black's seemed powerless to respond and after 25 minutes went further behind through a Greg Smith penalty. Matters got worse when hooker Chris James popped a rib in a scoring chance and had to leave the field to be replaced by Rob Heath. The 'Black's' finally responded when Ryan McKibbin found some space in the centre to create an opportunity for winger Adam Bown to lay his body on the line and squeeze into the top right hand corner. Bown damaged his calf in the process, Richard Dale could not convert and then, minutes later, his brother Chris damaged a knee forcing him to retire to create a place for Joel Barber. LSH drove down the pitch and a soft off side penalty enabled Smith to create a 13-5 interval lead.

Right after the break Bown was unable to take further part and the introduction of Sam Naylor meant an empty bench with a full half to play. Richard Dale managed to get himself sin binned for preventing a quick LSH throw in and things did not look at all good for the home team. At last the 'Black's' either got their second wind or LSH tired and prop John Brotherton got on the end of a magnificently controlled 35 metre driving maul to score and set up a nail biting finish. Richard Dale converted to make it 12-13 to LSH who hung on and on until Robinson made his mark to set up Campbell.

Muntean will be without all three injured players but still believes he can take a team to Wakefield and take the 'Black's' into National League rugby.

Northwich, Brotherton, James (Heath 30), Cairns, Heywood, Smith (C), Miritana, Pattenden, Robinson, Houghton, Muntean, Bown (Naylor 42), McKibbin, Chris Dale (Barber 38), Campbell, Richard Dale.

Scorers, tries, Bown, Brotherton and Campbell. Conversion Richard Dale.

Back to Team page

1st May 1stXV vs Sandal RUFC (Away) Lost 30-22
With news in the week that the ladies had gained a place in the higher league the unbelievable prospect, as the 'Black's' rode into Sandal on Saturday, was of every senior team in the club gaining promotion. What a shame that there was no Chris James, Chris Dale and Mike Gallimore and, although there was a sizeable Northwich contingent, what a pity that the game was not at 'fortress Moss Farm.'

In the end, although the 'Black's' fought back in the last quarter of play, it was a frenetic first half during which Sandal were gifted tries from questionable options that left the brave visitors an impossible mountain to climb. Sandal, apart from a scintillating try created and converted by Richard Dale and finished by Steve Campbell, completely bossed the first half. The Wakefield based outfit scored three converted tries and two penalties and the only addition to Campbell's try was a 34th minute Richard Dale penalty. Just before half-time the 'Black's' were dealt a further body blow when Dodo Muntean was yellow carded for his second 'ripping the ball' offence.

The 'Black's' changed ends 27-10 down and went further behind through a reversed penalty decision which gifted the prolific Greg Wood his 3rd penalty. The 'Black's rehabilitation came with the early introductions of Joel Barber, Jamie Miiritana and Rob Heath. Joel Barber demonstrated his electrifying pace when he undid his opposite man Tom Hodson, who had scored two first half tries, to score in the bottom right hand corner. Dale converted to reduce the arrears to 30-17 and when Campbell scored his second try in the bottom left corner Sandal were worried because if converted there would be only one score in it. As it was Dale was just off target and the 'Black's then ran out of time. On the day Sandal deserved their celebrations but the 'Black's'  can reflect upon a hugely successful season which is not quite over yet. They take on Bowden in the Cheshire Vase final at New Brighton this Sunday KO 3.30pm.

Northwich: Cairns (Heath 50), Moxon, Brotherton, Smith (C), Heywood, McKibbin, Pattenden, Robinson, Houghton, Muntean, Bown (Barber 40), Campbell, Naylor, Chubb (Miritana 50), Richard Dale.

Scorers, tries, Campbell (2), Barber.
Conversions, Richard Dale (2). Penalty, Richard Dale.

Back to Team page

8th May 1stXV vs Bowden RUFC (New Brighton) Won 29-10 - 2009-10 Vase Winners
It was a case of 'Mid Cheshire Rules OK' as Holmes Chapel, Winnington Park and Northwich took the spoils at the Cheshire RFU Big Day of Rugby at New Brighton yesterday. Holmes Chapel defeated Prenton in  the Plate Final, Winnington came from behind to snatch a dramatic victory in the Bowl Final and the 'Black's' showed their class in comfortably winning the 'showcase' Cheshire Vase Final against a big but one dimensional Bowden outfit. The 'Black's,' who operate in a higher, league were never troubled and controlled the game throughout. They led 10-0 at the break and then let rip in the second half to lead 29-3 before allowing a late Brian Capewell try. Capewell converted to add to his first half penalty to secure all of Bowdon's tally. For the 'Black's' this was a day to crown a glorious season for the whole club. Junior Colts Champions, 3rd XV promoted, 2nd XV Champions and promoted, the ladies team promoted and the 1st XV runners up in  North One West.

The day before Cheshire selected three Northwich players to line up against the mighty Lancashire at Fylde in the Bill Beaumont Cup. Lancashire eventually ran out winners 37-27 but of the four Cheshire tries Steve Campbell bagged two and Rick Smith scored another which was made by the on form Campbell. Dodo Muntean played for most of the game directing affairs in the number 10 shirt. All three will hope to play a part in this Saturdays home encounter versus Yorkshire at Macclesfield KO 3pm. Muntean and Campbell were on the bench in yesterdays final but both came on to assist the battle hardy Rick Smith in crafting an emphatic victory. Campbell, who is playing the best rugby of his career, scored in each half and the young but very promising wing Joel Barber notched up two second half tries. Another rising star, Richard Dale, kicked an early penalty but then had to depart through injury to be replaced by Campbell.

James Underhill converted Cambells first try and Muntean converted two other tries. The seasons celebrations will take place at the Northwich RUFC Awards Evening on Friday 28th May at The Fourways Inn Delamere. Further details from Sam Naylor on 07772611274.

Northwich: Cairns, Eaves (Heath 45), Brotherton, Heywood, Smith, Miritana, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore (Houghton 65), Underhill (Muntean 40), Chubb, Naylor (Bradfield 65), Dale R (Campbell 15), Barber, Allmark(Pattenden 40).

Scorers, tries, Campbell (2), Barber (2). Conversions, Muntean (2), Underhill. Peanalty, Richard Dale.
 

Pictures at :- http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/sredir?uname=Northwichrufc&target=ALBUM&id=5469397471131632577&authkey=Gv1sRgCP7bsLv91a-vlgE&feat=email

Back to Team page