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1st XV Match Reports 2011-12

27th August 1st XV vs Altrincham Kersal (Home) Cheshire Cup Won 16-6
This was a cracking start to the season as the 'Blacks' progressed to the semi final of the Cheshire Cup by knocking out national league AK at Fortress Moss Farm on Saturday afternoon.

In stark contrast to this time last season the 'Blacks' looked fitter, stronger and a great deal more organised. This is down to the preparation from Director of Rugby Alan Jack, Head coach Josh Cammiss and mercurial backs coach Roger Blake. First XV manager Yan Cartman has put together a much stronger squad than last season and this result will send a message to the rest of the teams in North West One that the 'Blacks' are out to secure automatic promotion into national league rugby.

It is significant that AK could not score a try and illustrates the awesome defensive capability of this Northwich squad. AK could only manage a couple of penalties in the second half from stand off Rob Holloway. This was despite a period in the last quarter when AK kept possession and mounted attack after attack only to be knocked down and to be driven back time after time.

It was a close game throughout and it was half an hour before winger Chris Dale who missed last season through injury burst through a gap and went on the outside to score in  the corner. New signing Grant Hallam from Longton could not convert but created a 8-0 interval lead with a 35 minute penalty.

Early on in the second half Holloway kicked his first penalty but Hallam soon cancelled it out with his second penalty attempt. Holloway kicked his second on the hour and this gave AK new impetus but their hearts sank when five minutes later 'Blacks' stand off Cass Walding charged down a kick and amazingly held onto it to score between the sticks creating an easy conversion for centre Hallam.

There was no further score and this was simply down to the rock solid 'Blacks' defensive capability.

Next Saturday the 'Blacks' kick off the league with a visit from newly promoted Anselmians KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cairns, James, Cray (Cartman 78), Smith, Cammiss, McKibbin, Naylor (Farley 57), Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Dale (Chubb 31), Campbell, Hallam, Barber, Coulbeck. 

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3rd September 1st XV vs Anselmians (Home) Won 38-15
The scoreline suggests a comfortable victory for the 'Blacks' but in reality Anselmians pushed them all the way and for a period early in the second half, when they narrowed the difference to 17-10, they looked the stronger side.

For the first quarter the home team completely dominated and a drubbing for newly promoted Anselmians looked a certainty. The 'Blacks' notched up 17 points with tries from Sam Naylor, Graham Robinson and Dan King. Centre Grant Hallam could only convert big Robbo's powerful effort but when Cass Walding was yellow carded for not using his arms in a crunching tackle the 'Blacks' game fell apart.

Anselmians Matt Pennington mounted the fight back with a 20 minute try but without their prolific goal kicker Simon Mason, who broke his leg last Saturday, the visitors could not improve the try. Matters got worse for the 'Blacks' when on the stroke of half time Dan King picked up a yellow for a team off side decision.

The second half started as the first had ended with Anselmians in the ascendancy and winger Jordan Lomax deserved the first of his two tries. A shock was on the cards but the 'Blacks' eventually upped the momentum and were rewarded with three quality tries as Dan King and hooker Chris James (twice) crossed the whitewash. Hallam converted the first two but by the time James scored his second Hallam had joined Rick Smith with the 4th yellow card for the 'Blacks'. Joel Barber converted to close the 'Blacks' account and register the highest score on this opening league Saturday.

The game was by now well and truly over but Anselmians battled bravely and just before the final whistle Lomax went over in the corner to register his second try. 

Player coach Josh Cammiss did not mince his words regarding team discipline in his post match debrief but with 38 points on the board he knows he has a deal of talent to play with. Next up is another home game versus Wilmslow KO 3pm and he and his charges are determined to keep up this winning start. Backs coach Roger Blake was in reflective mood and is confident that, given the ball, his beefed up backline will guarantee further bonus points.

Northwich: Cairns (Brotherton 70 min), James, Brotherton (Cray 38 min), Cammiss, Farley (Houghton 50), Smith, McKibbin, Robinson, Naylor (C), Walding, King, Campbell, Hallam, Barber, Coulbeck.

Scorers: tries, Naylor, Robinson, King (2) and James (2). Cons, Hallam (3) and Barber.

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10th September 1st XV vs Wilmslow (Home) Won 27-19
As the score suggests this was another tough encounter for the 'Blacks' and they needed to dig deep to come from behind to register their second bonus point win. This hard fought victory puts the 'Blacks' in top spot and is in sharp contrast to last seasons shaky start.

It was another good start for the 'Blacks' and in the first quarter they racked up two wide out tries. The first came from scrum half Mike Galore with a typical short range burst and the second from hooker Chris James who found himself on the end of a fine threequarters movement. Centre Grant Hallam could not master the distance and wind and both tries were unconverted.

Just as last week, and this is something that coach Josh Cammiss has got to get to grips with, the 'Blacks' picked up a yellow card with the result that their structure and impetus disintegrated. Prop John Brotherton retaliated to a Wilmslow stamping by aiming a headbutt at the culprit. Luckily for him it did not connect or he would have picked up a straight red and a lengthy ban. The visitors, although they were also a man down, took full advantage and came right back into the fight. They were rewarded with two converted tries, the first from Rory Bell and the second from stand off Bob McCallum who converted both efforts to put Wilmslow in the driving seat.

The game turned just before half time when 'Blacks' wing Dan King pick up a loose ball, broke two tackles and sprinted 70 metres to out run the Wilmslow defence and dive over for a magnificent try. Hallam converted to turn the table and knock the stuffing out of the visitors.

Twelve minutes into the second half Wilmslow were given a mountain to climb when No 8 Graham Robinson scored with a pick up from a five metre scrum. Hallam converted to create a 10 point buffer but on the hour mark Wilmslow were given fresh hope when flanker Hugo Corbett scored from a five metre lineout. Their hopes were short lived as three minutes later Hallam kicked a long range penalty. This meant that Wilmslow had to score twice and although they pressed hard they ran out of time. In the last few minutes of the game Wilmslow were camped on the 'Blacks' try line and despite loosing Cammiss and Naylor for interfering with the ball they were unable to bag a four try bonus point.

The 'Blacks' visit Leigh next week for what will be another toughie, KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cray, James (Feldman 40), Brotherton (Cairns 62), Cammiss, Smith, Naylor (C), McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, King, Campbell, Hallam, Chubb, Coulbeck.

Scorers: tries, Gallimore, James, King, Robinson. Two conversions and a penalty from Hallam.

Photos from this game are at : Wilmslow Game 

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17th September 1st XV vs Leigh (Away) Won 10-6
It is always a tough, bruising fixture at Leigh and this was no exception as two evenly balanced teams slugged it out with the 'Blacks' just about deserving their first away win of the season.

With Chris James (broken metatarsal) and with hopefully short term injuries to Ben Coulbeck, Chris Dale and Dara Cairns meant that player coach Josh Cammiss had to draw on his squads strength in depth to rework his team to grind out a difficult away win.

Having said that the 'Blacks' did not make it easy for themselves as yet again they gave away too many penalties and as the game went on their own frustrations led them to play as individuals resulting in them loosing their shape. There were passages of excellent play, non better than when winger Dan King made up for his earlier yellow card to score the only try of the game in the 68th minute of play. His try finished off a flowing backs move and when centre Grant Hallam converted from the touchline to regain the lead the 'Blacks' really did look the better team.

In the last ten minutes of play the 'Blacks' had the opportunity to finish off Leigh but firstly the referee decided that Hallam had not grounded what looked like a perfectly good try and then secondly with the 'Blacks' camped on the Leigh try line the home team managed to get out of jail and had it not been for some sterling defensive work Leigh could have quite easily come away with a win. Leigh deserved their bonus point and because the 'Blacks' did not get theirs they surrendered the top spot to neighbours Sandbach on goal difference.

Hallam had given the 'Blacks' the edge after seven minutes of play when he converted his only penalty from a 'hand in the ruck' infringement. Leigh full back Paul Wilcock kicked two first half penalties for the same offence with the second resulting in the team yellow for Dan King. Leigh held onto their narrow lead until King turned the table.

The potential is there and when fully fit and functioning this squad will do some damage. Next up at Moss Farm is impressive newcomers Widnes KO 3pm.

 Northwich: Cray, Feldman, Cartman (Brotherton 55), Heywood, Cammiss (Smith 50), McKibbin, Naylor (C), Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Chubb, Campbell, Hallam, King (Bradfield 70), Barber.

Scores: King try, conversion and penalty Hallam. 

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24th September 1st XV vs Widnes (Home) Won 22-17
New boys Widnes put in a cracking performance and had their kicker Kevin Leadbetter succeeded with two late penalty attempts they could have ended a two year home win record for the 'Blacks'. With the home side just ahead at 19-17 Leadbetters attempts bounced off the woodwork and the fortuitous 'Blacks' drove back up field and created a penalty opportunity for Grant Hallam to wrap up the score at 22-17.

This was an excellent game of rugby with no quarter given by either team. It was hard fought but there was near enough complete discipline with not one yellow card in evidence throughout the entire encounter. Backs coach Roger Blake had to take charge when player coach Joss Cammiss cried off from his sick bed on Saturday morning. Chris Dale was switched from the wing into his England Colts back row position creating a debut for promising new signing Chris Courtnage. The 'Blacks' were also without the injured front row players John Brotherton and Chris James and this, combined with the absent second row forward Chris Heywood, created difficulties in the set pieces and without quality ball the classy Northwich backline never really got into top gear.

Widnes were in front on two occasions; Leadbetter gave them the edge with his one penalty conversion after 4 minutes of play. This was overturned three minutes later when the on form winger Dan King finished off a move in the bottom right hand corner. Grant Hallam could not convert and Widnes took the lead when centre Dave Welsh sliced through the 'Black' defence after 23 minutes of play. Leadbetter converted to make it 10-5 and it was game on for the hosts. Northwich dug deep but it was not until just before half time when Sam Naylor burst through to score a convertable try for Hallam to seize the half time advantage.

Scrum half Mike Gallimore created a two score margin when he darted through to score after 10 minutes of second half play. Hallam converted to make it 19-10 and the 'Blacks' should have piled on the pressure and finished off their plucky Lancastrian visitors. The 'Wids' were having non of it and good work from centre Welsh set up full back Andrew Riley for a lovely try and Leadbetter had no problem in converting it. These were desperate times for the 'Blacks' and Leadbetter could have finished them off but it was not to be and Northwich held on to their magnificent home record.

Widnes played well and should not have a problem in staying in North West one. The 'Blacks' played well in parts but are yet to play to their full potential.  They remain however unbeaten and once they get their act together they will be a powerful force with promotion their number one priority. Next week the 'Blacks' travel to Aspatria KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cray, Feldman, Cairns (Cartman 80), Smith, Robinson (Farley 40), Naylor (C), McKibbin, Dale, Gallimore, Walding, King, Campbell, Hallam, Courtnage, Coulbeck. Sub not used Barber.

Scores: tries, King, Naylor and Gallimore. Two conversions and a penalty Hallam.

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1st October 1st XV vs Aspatria (Away) Lost 20-18
Northwich took the long trip to Aspatria with high hopes of maintaining their unbeaten run and keeping the pressure on the leagues forerunners. They did not realise that the Cumbrians had other ideas entirely.

Despite the absence of Captain Sam Naylor, Graham Robinson, Dara Cairns and Steve Campbell Northwich had a side that should have been strong enough to do the job.

The Blacks started the match with real intent and asked questions of the hosts in every aspect. After collecting a clearance kick Full Back Ben Coulbeck found Mike Gallimore in space who in turn placed a superb kick for newcomer Chris Courtnage to collect and score under the posts. This proved to be the best 10 minutes of the match for the visitors. The remainder of the first half turned out to be a defensive exercise for the Blacks with the home team commanding both territory and possession. Any ball the visitors had seemed to be squandered in the attempt to shake of the territorial stranglehold held by the home team. Although the defence held firm a try was conceded after 32 minutes. Half Time 5-7

The second half started badly for the Blacks when they were caught offside gifting Aspatria an easy penalty to take the lead. Northwich then found some form and started to assert themselves on the Cumbrians. A Hallam penalty was quickly followed by a Smith try scored when the versatile back row player pounced on a loose ball at a line out and shook off any would be tacklers to score. The 8-15 score line remained until the 77th minute when the home side scored a converted try and the match looked like heading for a draw. However there was still a twist in the tale. When an Aspatria forward handled in a ruck in the 82nd minute Hallam penalty looked to have sealed a victory for the visitors. At the restart the Blacks only managed to clear the 22 for a lineout. There was a momentary lapse of concentration and the home side punished the Blacks with an injury time try to finish 20-18 winners.

Next up at Moss Farm are League Leaders Sandbach KO 3pm.

 Northwich: Cray, Feldman, Brotherton (Cartman 32), Heywood, Cammiss, McKibbin, Dale (Steele 67), Smith (C), Gallimore, Walding, Courtnage, King, Hallam, Barber.

Scores: Courtnage, Smith try’s, conversion and 2 penalties Hallam. .

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8th October 1st XV vs Sandbach (Home) Lost 15-9
It had to come to an end sometime and with five first choice players missing through injuries it was perhaps inevitable that unbeaten table toppers Sandbach would finally breach the walls of fortress Moss Farm. To make matters worse county star Steve Campbell sustained a nasty depressed fracture to his cheekbone and could be out for three months. This is on top of the devastating news that fellow county prop forward John Brotherton will probably miss the whole of the season following a repeated broken arm picked up at Aspatria last Saturday.

The 'Blacks' started this game without captain Sam Naylor and the impactive No 8 Graham Robinson who are both out with shoulder injuries. A back injury also prevented winger Dan King from taking part and last seasons skipper Chris James hopes to train this week on his way back from his fractured metatarsal.

Despite the catalogue of injuries Northwich still managed to field a competent team but in the end this game turned out to be a kicking contest between Grant Hallam of Northwich and Will Gargill of Sandbach and with Northwich making the more mistakes Gargill took the victors spoils 5 to 3.

It was a tight but dour match played out on a greasy wet pitch and although there were passages of good play from both teams a try from either never looked like materialising. Northwich had the talent in the backs but for one reason or another the Northwich set pieces were a nightmare and the lineout in particular was in total disarray.

Grant Hallam kicked three excellent first half penalties to Cargills one conversion to create a 9-3 interval lead but this was never going to be enough and the on form Sandbachians forced the 'Blacks' to commit repeated misdemeanours and with the wind at his back Cargill put in a masterful performance and converted four second half penalties.

So that is it, the two season unbeaten home record has gone and now the 'Blacks' must regroup and come out fighting to keep alive their promotion ambition. All is not yet lost and there is a long way to go. Coach Cammiss and his squad have a hard road ahead and next up is a visit to Rochdale this Saturday KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cairns (Davey 40), Feldman, Cray, Cammiss, Heywood, McKibbin, Dale, Smith (C), Gallimore, Walding, Barber (Chubb 60), Campbell, Hallam, Courtnage, Coulbeck. Not used Steele.

Scorer: Hallam 3 penalties.

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15th October 1st XV vs Rochdale (Away) Won 38-32
Injury decimated Northwich travelled to Moorgate Avenue not quite knowing what to expect from their mid table placed hosts. The 'Blacks' had never won at Rochdale and with six regulars missing they faced the prospect of a third successive defeat. The only positive was that Chris James returned from injury and good job too as he stepped in to fill the boots of prop Daira Cairns who broke his finger in Thursday nights training session.

It turned out that there was no need to worry as at last the 'Blacks' finally clicked and for an hour ripped Rochdale apart. With sixty minutes on the clock Ryan Mckibbin scored try number five and when Grant Hallam kicked conversion number five the 'Blacks' had the game in the bag at 13-38. What followed was the biggest collapse in the 'Blacks' annals and if the game had gone on five minutes longer Rochdale would have won this bizarre encounter.

Stand off Cass Walding was on fire and scored two early tries. His first was an interception with the game only three minutes old.  Hallam converted but two minutes later Tommy Gunn scored for Rochdale and Des Whitehead converted to even the score. Three minutes later Walding struck again and Hallam converted to double the tally. There was then a period of stability but on the half hour the 'Blacks' forward dominance resulted in a pushover maul completed by the returning Chris James. Hallam converted but Rochdale just managed to keep in touch with a penalty on the stroke of half time. Half Time 10-21.

For the third quarter it was all Northwich, Hallam kicked his only penalty opportunity and a Walding break gave winger Joel barber the chance to shine. Hallam maintained his strike rate to increase the difference to 10-31. Whitehead kicked a 54th minute penalty but when Mckibbin struck on the hour it should have been game set and match to  the 'Blacks'. The visitors thought that the game was won and they took their foot off the gas; Walding came off to rest a twisted ankle and a labouring Lawrence Cray was given respite from the front row and replaced by veteran Rob Heath.

Rochdale must have smelt the 'Blacks' complacency and mounted a magnificent counter attack. The classy Rochdale backline moved up the gears and they were fed by a resurgent Rochdale pack. In the final quarter the 'Blacks' lost all their shape as Rochdale ran in three tries from Jeremy Lefton, Tommy Helliwell and John McNichols. Two of the tries were converted and the final whistle could not have come sooner for the punch drunk visitors.

For an hour the 'Blacks' were excellent but in the third quarter their fitness let them down and coach Cammiss will be addressing this in the coming sessions. Fullback Ben Coulbeck and winger Joel Barber had big games in the backline and Chris James made an impressive return to the forwards but the most pleasing aspect was a return to form for back row forward Ryan McKibbin. This was a welcome five pointer and keeps  the 'Blacks' in the chase. They could do with another bonus when Carlise visit Moss Farm this Saturday KO 3pm.

Northwich: James, Feldman, Cray (Heath 65), Cammiss, Steele, Heywood, McKibbin, Smith (C), Gallimore, Walding (Chubb 63), Barber, Hallam, Dale, Courtnage, Coulbeck. Sub not used Bown.

Scorers: Tries: Walding (2), James,Barber and McKibbin. Conversions 5 Hallam and one penalty Hallam.

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22nd October 1st XV vs Carlisle (Home) Won 50-0
All credit to Carlisle as this was not the walkover the score line suggests. They started strongly with their big set of forwards asking questions of the Northwich pack. The visitors battled bravely and the first quarter was scoreless but with the return of No 8 Graham Robinson and skipper Sam Naylor the ‘Blacks’ pack started to take control and when prop forward Chris James dived over the top of a maul to score the first try the writing was on the wall for the visiting Cumbrians. Grant Hallam converted and three minutes later he had no problems in improving big Robbo's supporting try from under the posts.

The visitors dug deep and held out to the 40^th minute when a lovely backs move saw the fit again winger Adam Bown score in the corner. Grant Hallam could not convert but with the half time score at 19-0 there was no way back for Carlisle.

Josh Cammiss came on for the injured Gallimore and Sam Naylor slipped into the scrum half position. The ‘Blacks’ then started to take complete control and it was pleasing to see that they tightened their grip and as they went through the gears they were able to showcase their complete repertoire. There were five second half tries with Hallam converting three to give the ‘Blacks’ their biggest win of the campaign so far. Carlisle held on but as the last quarter approached the ‘Blacks’ let rip with player coach Josh Cammiss lighting the blue touch paper. Further tries then came in fairly quick succession from Hallam, Chris Heywood, Joel Barber and Andrew Chubb; all were excellent tries with flowing moves involving outrageous dummies and hand offs. Carlisle had no answer to it and the final whistle put them out of their misery.

Coaches Cammiss and Roger Blake were pleased with the performance as the ‘Blacks’ demonstrated some real teamwork. They will require this by the bucket full in the next three crucial fixtures and first up is a visit to Vale of Lune this coming Saturday KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cray (Davey 70), Feldman, James, Smith, Heywood, McKibbin, Naylor (C), Robinson Gallimore (Cammiss 50), Walding, Barber, Hallam, Dale, Bown (Chubb 65), Coulbeck.

Scores: tries, James, Robinson, Bown, Cammiss, Hallam, Heywood, Barber and Chubb. Conversions, Hallam (5).

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29th October 1st XV vs Vale of Lune (Away) Lost 31-5
From the biggest victory to the heaviest defeat in the space of a week saw Northwich brought down to earth with a bump at a windy and damp Powderhouse Lane.

A kidney infection for Cass Walding resulted in a late cry off and with scrum half Mike Gallimore missing with his ankle injury coach Cammiss was without his first choice half back combination. Sam Naylor and Ben Coulbeck donned the shirts but the collateral disruption was not the best start to the afternoons proceedings. Having said that Vale have a growing injury list and in the warm up the two teams looked evenly balanced.

Despite playing into a strong wind the 'Blacks' had the better of the early exchanges and Grant Hallam should have kicked an easy penalty after five minutes of play. As it was Vale scored against the run of play when a kick ahead bounced fortuitously into the hands of winger James Hodder. Dan Woodward converted to give the home team a good dose of self belief and Vale pressure allowed Woodward to slot a 20 minute penalty. Both teams competed with vigour but just before half time a lovely flowing move from Vale created space for right winger James Curran to cross the whitewash. Stand off Jimmy Moore took over the kicking duties to create a 17-0 half time advantage.

Prop Tom Wood replaced the injured Chris James during the interval and with the wind at their backs the 'Blacks' were confident that they could haul themselves back into the game. A late tackle from Adam Bown put him in the bin and made if difficult for the visitors to exert any real authority. Northwich then decided to adopt a pick and go mentality but Vale defended magnificently and it took until the hour before the Northwich forwards in the form of Lawrence Cray to force his way over. Nothing was going right for the 'Blacks' and their collective bad luck was summed up when Hallam miss kicked the conversion.

The forward battle had taken its toll on the 'Blacks' and with the clock ticking away the sparkle in their eyes began to fade whilst Vale sensed victory and upped the anti. A defensive error allowed Vale No 8 Gareth Tudor to score and set up an easy conversion for Jimmy Moore. The game was now lost and when Rick Smith was binned for collapsing a maul the 'Blacks' capitulated and a further defensive foe par saw Jimmy Moore score a last minute try which he had no problem in converting.

Man for man Vale were no better than the 'Blacks' but what they had was self belief and passion. The 'Blacks' were, until recently, renowned for this and they must endeavour to recapture it in time for the visit of table toppers Liverpool St Helens this saturday KO 2.15pm. LSH have an eight point advantage but with six months of the season remaining there is still a long way to go.

Northwich: Cray, Feldman, James (Wood 40), Heywood, Cammiss, Smith, McKibbin, Robinson, Naylor (C),

Coulbeck, Chubb, Hallam, Dale, Bown, Barber. Not used, Houghton, Cartman.

Scores: try Cray.

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5th November 1st XV vs Liverpool St Helens (Home) Won 13-12
I know its an old cliché but this really was a case of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat when in the 79th minute of play wing forward Chris James scored from a superbly controlled rolling maul to defeat table toppers LSH and just about keep the 'Blacks' in the title chase.

This was an intense, evenly balanced encounter with LSH just about in front for the whole of the game but in the final analysis the pressure exerted by the 'Blacks', particularly in the latter stages of the second half justified the final score. The 'Blacks' knew to a man that this was a crucial game and had they lost they were all to aware that their promotion ambitions could have evaporated into thin air. As it is they are still in the mix albeit 7 points behind new leaders Sandbach but the longer this season goes on it is all to obvious that this league is wide open and will probably remain so right up to the end.

The 'Blacks' started well but were stunned on the 10 minute mark when LSH winger Ian Stanley intercepted to score a trademark try which Matt Cunliffe had no problem in converting. The competitiveness and evenness meant that there was no further score before half time but just before the whistle bad lady luck struck again with star full back Ben Coulbeck sustaining a nasty shin splint. He is yet another addition to a growing list of serious injuries and further bad news in the week means that both Steve Campbell and maybe Mike Gallimore will be out for a long-time.

Andy Chubb replaced Coulbeck and it was business as usual until 11 minutes into the half when good work from winger Chris Courtnage set up Cass Walding for a deserved try. Grant Hallam was unable to convert and LSH came right back into the game and were rewarded on the hour when some loose tackling gifted Ian Stanley with his second try but crucially for the 'Blacks' Cunliffe was unable to convert.

For the majority of the last quarter the 'Blacks' just about had the upper hand; Hallam narrowed the deficit to 8-12 with a 64th minute penalty; Josh Cammiss and Rob Heath came off the bench to give fresh legs to the pack and it was their presence and the additional weight of half of the back line which drove and controlled the maul to create the try for James. The 'Blacks' held out for the final minute to ensure deep joy for the Moss Farm faithful.

Next up is a visit to Wirrall who always put up a good fight, Ko 2.15pm.

Northwich: Cairnes (Heath 70), Feldman (Cammiss 70), Cray, Smith, Heywood, James, McKibbin, Robinson, Naylor (C), Walding, Courtnage, Hallam, Dale, Barber, Coulbeck (Chubb40).

Scorers: tries, Walding and James, penalty Hallam.

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12th November 1st XV vs Wirral (Away) Lost 20-19
This was a bad result for the 'Blacks' at Clatterbridge as yet again they lost away from home and more ominously there is clear water appearing between leaders Sandbach, LSH and the chasing pack. Although the half way stage is yet to arrive the 'Blacks' now have a big hill to climb to get back into the fray and nothing more than a big win when Wigton come to town this Saturday will do for coach Josh Cammiss.

There is no doubting that the 'Blacks' squad has been ripped apart with serious injuries but Saturdays team should have been able to cope with a Wirral outfit that simply did not have the pedigree of the majority of the Northwich side. What they did have was an effective kicking strategy and fifteen men who had more self belief and gritty determination to win.

Northwich started well but after ten minutes shoddy loose play gifted Craig Harvey with a try in the corner which he then superbly converted. Northwich responded well but it took them a further fifteen minutes to show their class when centre Grant Hallam cut through the defence to set himself up for an easy conversion to level the score. It only took Wirral a couple of minutes to take advantage of more sloppy play from the 'Blacks' to double their score when Harvey converted a well taken opportunist Joe Murray try.

Half time came and went and returning from injury winger Dan King came on for Chris Courtnage. This seemed to inject new spirit into the 'Black's but two controversial penalties allowed the hosts, through the gifted boot of Harvey, to stretch the lead to 20-7. The 'Blacks' finally manned up and fought back with tries from Dan King and a second from Grant Hallam. Hallam converted Kings close quarter effort but was unable to win the game as he missed his conversion and a last ditch pressure penalty.

Next up is Wigton KO 2.15pm.

Northwich: Cairns, Feldman, Cray, Heywood, Smith, McKibbin, James, Robinson, Naylor (C), Walding, Chubb, Dale, Hallam, Cortnage (King 50), Barber.

Scorers: tries, Hallam (2),  King. Conversions Hallam (2)

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19th November 1st XV vs Wigton (Home) Won 39-10
Northwich responded positively to last weeks poor show at Wirral and despite loosing Graham Robinson and Cass Walding through further injuries they had little difficulty in seeing off a gallant but one dimensional Wigton outfit.

The current 'Blacks' team bears little resemblance to the promotion hopeful squad that started the campaign but at least Saturdays team showed grit and determination but with other games going to form there was no change in the top league positions.

To put matters into context Northwich were missing Brotherton, Robinson, Campbell, Coulbeck, Gallimore, Walding and Richard Dale. All they can do is enjoy this Saturdays rest from league duty, attempt to regroup and come back determined to fight for win after win and hope that the teams above them slip up along the way.

Wigton pinned everything on their big set of forwards but credit to the 'Blacks' they kept them at bay and racked up a 17-0 half time advantage. Wing forward Ryan McKibbin struck after three minutes finishing off a decisive 'Blacks' attack. Grant Hallam, playing at stand off, gave himself early confidence by converting from  wide out. Wigton held firm and it took half an hour for Hallam to improve the score with a fine penalty. Just before half time Rick Smith, playing at No 8 picked up from the base of a scrum to set up Sam Naylor for a crucial captains try. Hallam Converted to put the 'Blacks' firmly in the driving seat.

Adam Bown replaced winger Chris Courtnage and the second half started well when centre Dan King, who looks dangerous whenever he gets the ball, tore through the Wigton team to score by the posts setting up another easy conversion for Hallam.

On fifty minutes Wigton registered their first score through a Dan Read penalty but a few minutes later full back Joel Barber scored the try of the match as he blazed his way from deep in his own half to score by the posts. Hallam converted and with the game secured Sam Naylor made way for promising scrum half Richard Hart to make his 1stXV debut. The ex colt settled in well and when centre Chris Dale scored on the hour to make it 36-3 the game was well and truly over for Wigton. Dale retired for Daniel Davey and the 'Blacks' relaxed into neutral gear and Wigton were rewarded through a seventy minute Ryan Clarke consolation try. Reed converted to end the scoreline and the remaining minutes fizzled out.

Next up for the 'Blacks' is a visit to Broughton Park on December 3rd KO 3pm. The next home match is Presidents' Day on December 17th with a crunch game versus Leigh KO 2.15pm.

Northwich: Cairns, Feldman, Cray, Heywood, Cammiss, McKibbin, James, Smith, Naylor (C) (Hart 58), Hallam, Courtnage (Bown 40), Dale (Davey70), King, Chubb, Barber.

Scorers: tries, McKibbin, Naylor, King, Barber and Dale. Conversions: Hallam (4). One penalty Hallam.

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3rd December 1st XV vs Broughton Park (Away) Won 28-27
On the hour mark captain Sam Naylor scored his second individual try, which Grant Hallam had no problem in converting, to create what should have been an unassailable 6-28 margin but in the last quarter the 'Blacks' effort faded away and BP scored three forward oriented tries to come within a cats whisker of stealing the game.

These were pretty awful conditions and BP utilised their big pack to play an 'up the jumper' strategy and although it was somewhat boring to watch it served them effectively and prevented any kind of three-quarter play.

It was great to see the return of Mike Gallimore in the scrum half shirt and this facilitated Naylor to play in his preferred back row position and his two individually crafted tries provided the platform to secure this crucial away victory. Naylor opened the scoring at the end of the first quarter when he broke through to score a try which Hallam could not improve. The prolific BP full back Ronan O'Brien kicked a penalty on the half hour and the only other first half score came just before the interval through a well taken Hallam penalty.

The second half commenced and immediate good play from hooker Chris James set up a try for winger Chris Courtnage. Hallam failed from wide out and three minutes later O'Brien reduced the arrears with his second penalty but Hallams cheeky drop goal ten minutes into the half crafted a 6-18 advantage. Two minutes later Hallam struck again with his second penalty and when Naylor scored his second it should have been game over.

Chris Dale and Gallimore were forced to leave the fray and the consequential disruption combined with some sterling forward play from BP produced three quick fire tries from Guy Barlow, Warren Duffy and Jake Smith. O'Brien coolly and calmly converted all three but thankfully for the 'Blacks' the home team ran out of time to allow the visitors to stay in the chase.

The 'Blacks' will need to play for the full eighty minutes when they travel to Wilmslow next Saturday for the 2.15pm KO.

Northwich: Cray, James, Cairns, Heywood, Smith, McKibbin, Naylor (C), Robinson, Gallimore (Hart 70), Hallam, Chubb, Dale (Feldman 46), King, Courtnage, Barber.

Scores: tries, Naylor (2), Courtnage. Conversion Hallam, Drop goal Hallam and two penalties Hallam.

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10th December 1st XV vs Wilmslow (Away) Lost 29-11
Whichever way you look at it this was a poor result for the 'Blacks' who rarely play well at the Memorial Ground but particularly in the second half they plumbed new depths of mediocrity and at times it became a real comedy of errors.

The daft thing is they started with a real purpose and with the first quarter gone they were 3-11 ahead and firmly in the driving seat. Grant Hallam kicked an early penalty and Joel Barber playing at first centre looked totally in control and deserved his twelfth minute try. Hallam could not convert and although Wolves stand off Bob McCallam pulled a penalty back Hallam kicked his second penalty with twenty minutes on the clock. Victory for the 'Blacks' looked a certainty and I am not sure what happened but Hallams second penalty turned out to be the final points for the 'Blacks' and for the remainder of the game Wilmslow were the stronger team. Man for man they were no better than the 'Blacks' but they played with far greater passion and commitment and their four try bonus point rubbed salt into the Northwich wound.

In the second quarter the 'Blacks' defence fell apart and Wilmslow took the game by the scuff of the neck to register tries from Ben Day, Tom Rayner and Mathew King. McCallum converted two of the tries to create a 22-11 half time lead. Try as they might for the majority of the second half the 'Blacks' looked ineffective and when McCallam converted try number four from Mike Black it was all over for the visitors. Instead of taking stock and sticking to the game plan the 'Blacks' tried to come back into it by playing individually. This was never going to work and mistake after mistake became the norm.

This was hopefully a wake up call for the 'Blacks' who despite their massive injury list can't play as badly as this again, can they? Coach Josh Cammiss pulled no punches in his post match debrief and to a man the 'Blacks' knew that they had not given their best. They will need to regroup for this Saturdays Presidents' Day when Leigh come to town KO 2.15pm.

Northwich: Cray, Feldman, James (Heath 45), Smith, Heywood, McKibbin, Naylor (C), Robinson, Gallimore (Hart 70), Hallam, Courtnage, Barber, Dale, Bradfield and Chubb.

Scorers: Try Barber and two penalties Hallam.

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7th January 1st XV vs Widnes (Away) Won 12-5
The 'Blacks' arrived at Heath Road determined to rain on the 'Wids' impressive home record and secure their first back to back victory of this seasons campaign. This was their first outing since the miserable defeat at Wilmslow on December 10th and coach Joss Cammiss was forceful in demanding strict adherence to the game plan and to playing with more commitment and passion. He was rewarded on all counts and this impressive victory puts the 'Blacks' right back into contention for the play off spot. Cammiss must now harness the grit and determination and take it forward for the remainder of the season; commenting after the game he said, 'If we can beat Widnes on their own turf we can beat anybody so look out Sandbach and LSH, we have got you in our sights.'

This was a tough, exacting game fought between two teams desperate to win. Both defences were rock solid and in the end the 'Wids' cracked twice and the 'Blacks' once and that was the only difference. This was the Northwich of old with the forwards sticking to the structure of punching forward and retaining possession. Widnes looked dangerous when they broke loose but for the first time in a long while the 'Blacks' defended with real vigour.

It was a dream start for the visitors when after five minutes Cass Walding, convalescing on the wing, came on a lateral run to set up skipper Sam Naylor for an easy try which Grant Hallam could not fail to convert. The 'Blacks' continued to apply pressure but Widnes defended well and they only came back into the game when after 35 minutes flanker Ryan McKibbin was sin binned for excessive use of his foot in the loose. The Widnes pack began to dominate and in the 4th minute of first half injury time 'Wids' flanker Pieu Liku mauled his way over the Northwich try line. There was no conversion but with the half time score of 5-7 it was anyone's game.

The second half was just as close and tense as the first but in the 68th minute the stalemate was broken when Sam Naylor scored his second supporting and crucial try. Hallam could not convert from wide out and Widnes were in no mood to throw in the towel. For the remainder of the game the 'Blacks' played intelligent rugby and simply kept possession and prevented Widnes scrapping a draw.

To a man the 'Blacks' stood up to the plate but Naylor had a real captains game and led from the front throughout.

Next up is Aspatria who beat the 'Blacks' in October. They have recently recruited some quality league players so Saturday at Moss farm KO 2.15pm promises to be a real humdinger.

Northwich: Cairns (Feldman 36, Heath 50), James, Cray, Heywood, Cammiss, McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Hallam, Walding, Dale, King (Underhill 65), Chubb,  Barber. 

Scorers; Naylor 2 tries, Conversion Hallam.

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14th January 1st XV vs Aspatria (Home) Won 36-0
Six tries, three in each half, bonus point secured and a clean sheet to boot keeps the 'Blacks' in the chase for the play off spot. This was a clinical performance against a gritty Cumbrian outfit who never said die but who had no answer to the 'Blacks' forwards machine. Coach Josh Cammiss was satisfied with his squad who once again stuck to the script and relentlessly ground down their opponents. He was also pleased with the debut of new Aussie signing Jason Brown who came off the bench for the last twenty minutes to shine in the centres.

There were no tries in the first ten and last twenty minutes of play but otherwise the tries came at regular intervals. Full back Joel Barber opened the account when he showed the defence a clean pair of heals to score under the posts to set up an easy conversion for Grant Hallam. Number eight Graham Robinson drove over a push over try five minutes later which was too wide out for Hallam to improve. Aspatria held firm until the 40th minute when second rower Chris Heywood supported well to cross in the corner. Hallam could not convert but with a half time score of 17-0 there was no way back for the visitors.

Five minutes into the second period flanker Sam Naylor broke through to secure the bonus point; Hallam could not convert but he had no problem in slotting over Naylor's under the posts second try on the 55 minute mark. Centre Dan King finished off the Cumbrians with try number six, again between the sticks, to create conversion three for Hallam.

A mass, innocuous punch upon the 70th minute saw the 'Blacks' Mike Gallimore and Lawrence Cray despatched to the bin. The culprit, Aspatrias number eight Michael Fagin joined them. This resulted in unopposed scrums which effectively killed off the game.

Cammiss used his bench impressively and both second row Rick Smith and hooker John Feldman eased themselves into the fray. The 'Blacks' are playing well, as they normally do in the second half of the season. What a pity it has taken so much time to get themselves into gear. They rest this Saturday before their crunch visit to table toppers Sandbach on January 28th.

Northwich: Cray, James (Feldman 58), Cairns, Heywood (Brown 60), Cammiss (Smith 50), McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Hallam, Chubb, King, Walding, Dale, Barber.

Scores: tries, Barber, Robinson, Heywood, Naylor (2) and King. Conversions, Hallam (3).

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28th January 1st XV vs Sandbach (Away) Won 11-10
This was an awesome game of rugby played between two teams at the top of their game but in the final analysis it was the sheer grit and determination of the 'Black's' that saw them through for a deserved victory.

It was always going to be close and it could have gone either way but it was the renewed structure and discipline of coach Joss Cammiss's chargers that gave them the edge. 'Black's' stand off Grant Hallam kicked a three minute penalty to start the ball rolling but the game turned to the visitors advantage on the 15th minute mark when centre Chris Dale intercepted in his own half to outrun the Sandbach defence to score in the corner. Hallam could not improve the try and Sandbach were thrown a lifesaver when Tim Cargill punished a 'Black's misdemeanour with 22 minutes on the clock.

It looked ominous for the 'Black's' when hooker Chris James was yellow carded five minutes before the break for the careless use of his boot but Northwich kept their nerve and held out to the break at 3 - 8.

The second half started with a horrendous tackle on Ryan McKibbin when he was taken out in the air by the Sandbach No 8 who was lucky to only get a ten minute spell in the bin. Try as they might the 'Black's' could not take advantage and both teams slugged it out until on the hour Hallam slotted over his second penalty. This meant that the home team had to score twice to take the spoils and their task was made all the more difficult when Will Cargill retired injured.

The 'Black's'  now looked the better side and were unlucky not to turn pressure into points but it was Sandbach who came good in the last ten minutes of play and ex Winnington Park starlet Ben Elliott finished a fine backs move to score in the left hand corner. Elliott converted from the touchline to make it a nail biting finish but it would have been a travesty for the 'Black's' to loose and they held out to revenge the Moss Farm October defeat.

The 'Black's' are playing with renewed vigour and must just simply keep on winning to secure the play off spot. This was a great team result with the whole squad playing their parts with real commitment and passion. Chris Dale and Joel Barber shone in the backs and the whole back row were in terrific form. Next up are Rochdale who visit Moss farm this Saturday KO 2.15pm.

Northwich: Cray, James (Heath 35, James 45), Cairns, Heywood, Cammiss (Smith 60), McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Hallam (Brown 72), Chubb, Dale, Walding, King, Barber.

Scores: Try Chris Dale and two penalties Grant Hallam.  

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18th February 1st XV vs Carlisle (Away) Won 11-6
It seems an age since the 'Blacks' thumped Carlisle 50-0 on October 22nd last year but everyone in the know knew full well that it would be a different kettle of fish at Warwick Road on Saturday. Both teams were unbeaten in 2012 and the Cumbrians, with a totally revamped squad and the scalp of Liverpool St Helens under their belt, were quietly confident that they could put a stop to the 'Blacks' play off prospects.

Carlisle's chances were enhanced through the most horrendous climate conditions; the glue pot pitch combined with the biting wind, sleet and hail to give their massive trundling pack the psychological advantage. The only rugby possible was a forwards battle, slugged out in near impossible conditions which, in the end, went against expectations and to the 'Blacks' favour. Pretty it wasn't but gritty and hard fought, by both teams, it was! Both sets of forwards gave as good as they got but in the second half particularly it was the Northwich pack that adjusted best to the conditions and it was their superior fitness and their ball carrying and retention that saw them through for a deserved victory.

They was no scoreboard activity until Northwich stand off Grant Hallam broke the deadlock on the half hour with a well taken penalty but just before half time his counterpart Glen Weightman dropped a goal to even the score. The second half started well for the 'Blacks' when prop forward Lawrence Cray, who had an outstanding game, finished off a driving maul to score in the corner. Hallam had no chance with the conversion but by now the visitors were in the driving seat and it was only the aggressive and impressive Cumbrian defence that kept them at bay. It looked as though the game was over when Hallam slotted over his second 77th minute penalty ensuring that Carlisle had to score twice to win but two minutes later a Weightman penalty gave them a last gasp chance of claiming victory. There was a nail biting 5 minute injury period to endure but the 'Balcks' held firm to keep them in with a play off chance.

Coach Cammiss used his full 18 man squad to good effect and all gave of their best in the bleakest of conditions. Cray was man of the match and young Joel Barber continues to impress. Next up is the rearranged clash with Leigh, this Saturday, Moss Farm KO 2.15pm. 

Northwich: Cray, James, Cairns (Feldman 65), Heywood, Cammiss (Smith 51), McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Hallam, Chubb, Dale (Courtnage 73), Brown, King, Barber.

Scores: try Cray, two penalties Hallam.

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24th February 1st XV vs Leigh (Home) Won 52-5
This crushing victory and a surprise defeat for Widnes put a smile on the 'Black's' supporters faces as their team climbed a position to snap at the heals of second placed LSH. All the 'Black's' have to do to secure the play off spot is to keep winning which, with Vale of Lune and LSH next up, is easier said than done!

 Poor old Leigh fell foul of earlier bad weather and did not bank on having to play this catch up game on what was a blank Saturday. Half of the regular 1st XV had booked onto a stag weekend in Dublin and although their replacements battled bravely they were no match to a virtual full strength Northwich outfit.

In the first half hour Leigh made a fist of it and the only points were from the boot Grant Hallam with a drop goal and a penalty but in the last ten minutes of the half the floodgates opened and four tries came in quick succession to put the game beyond the visitors reach. Graham Robinson started the rout and three further quality tries came from Sam Naylor, Cass Walding and Joel Barber. Grant Hallam converted the last two to craft a 30-0 half time lead.

Coach Joss Cammiss rang the changes and used his full bench of Chris Courtnage, Chris James and Dave Farley to good effect. Barber and Walding each scored again and the remaining two crossings of this eight try massacre came from Dan King and Chris James. Hallam could only manage one conversion.

Northwich could have been more professional which would have racked up the score but instead they took their foot off the gas and gifted a consolation try to Calvin Compton. This Saturday Vale of Lune come to town KO 2.15pm when the 'Black's' intend to avenge the horrendous 31-5 defeat at Vale in late October.

Northwich: Cairns (James 52), Feldman, Cray, Heywood, Cammiss, McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore (Farley 56), Hallam, Chubb, Dale (Courtnage 52), Walding, King, Barber.

Scores: Tries Walding (2), Barber (2), Robinson, Naylor, King and James. Drop goal and penalty Hallam and 3 conversions Hallam.

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3rd March February 1st XV vs Vale of Lune (Home) Won 20-5
Northwich managed to stay in the play off race with this credible and deserved win and at the same time the victory also avenged the away defeat at Vale in October. They now only need to beat Wirral on 24th Match to secure a win over every team in this very tight and competitive league.

Vale pushed the 'Black's' all the way and it was only two incidents of quick thinking that managed to breach their otherwise awesome defence. The first was when scrum half Mike Gallimore took a quick tap penalty to catch them off guard and the second was a superb interception try by winger Dan King. Apart from these two tries the 'Black's' were simply unable to get through. Fullback Joel Barber made a couple of tremendous breaks and the home side did look the more dangerous but try as they might Vale kept them out time after time.

Vale upset the apple cart by scoring after only three minutes of play when second row forwrad Sam Wallbank drove over from a five metre lineout. Tom Carter could not improve and the solitary try proved to be Vales only score. Grant Hallam had no problem in converting Gallimores 20th minute score and the Longton based stand off increased the margin in the 40th minute with a fine drop goal.  The game completely turned in the 'Black's' favour when a minute later King intercepted on the half way line to outrun the Vale defence to swallow drive over and set up a dolly of a conversion for Hallam. With a 17-5 half time advantage there was a mountain to climb for Vale and with the second half only three minutes old Hallam converted a penalty to complete what turned out to be the final score.

There was a dodgy ten minutes when Sam Naylor was binned for a late tackle on the fifty minute mark but the 'Black's' held firm to keep Vale at bay. This was a gritty, clinical performance from Northwich and sets them up nicely for the do or die encounter at LSH this coming Saturday KO 3pm. With their bonus win at Broughton LSH remain in the second spot driving seat but a win for the 'Black's' coupled with their game in hand could be a defining moment in this nail biting run in.

Northwich: Cray, James (Feldman 55), Cairns, Heywood, Cammiss, McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Hallam, Chubb, Dale, Walding, King, Barber. Subs not used, Farley and Courtnage.

Scores; Tries, Gallimore and King. Conversion (2),  Hallam. Pen and drop goal Hallam.

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10th March 1st XV vs Liverpool St Helens (Away) Lost 24-18
The fat lady maybe warming her vocal cords and the initiative is now with LSH but there may well be some twists and turns on the road to the play off spot. LSH now have a seven point advantage but the 'Black's' have a game in hand and what many believe the easier run in. As captain Sam Naylor said after the game "We just need to keep winning and try to pick up a few bonus points on the way."

The 'Black's' deserved their bonus point but on the day the spoils went rightly to LSH. Their forwards were just that touch more aggressive and the LSH backs defended with real determination and in the final analysis they deserved this win.

With hooker Chris James injured and with Number 8 giant Graham Robinson pulling his groin in the warm up the 'Black's' were up against it in the engine room. Robinson battled on but he should have been replaced by Rob Heath much earlier as Heath did add real impetus when the change was eventually made.

The game was always close but when LSH scored a blistering try on the hour through Matt Cunliffe which Simon Worsley converted from the touch line to make the score 24-15 there was no coming back for the 'Black's'.

Worsley kicked a penalty after ten minutes of play but the visitors took the lead when scrum half Mike Gallimore broke and superbly off loaded to winger Andy Chubb. Grant Hallam converted to make it game on for the 'Black's.' Play was intense but LSH regained the initiative when Worsley converted Phil Kearns 24th minute No 8 try. A converted Dave Cunliffe try, which many say was not grounded, rubbed further salt into the wounded visitors but Hallam gave the visitors a life line with a last gasp first half penalty.

Half Time LSH 17 Northwich 10.

Northwich started the stronger in the second half and ten minutes in Joel Barber struck to set up Cass Walding for a well deserved try. The touch judges were spilt on the conversion and the 'Black's' were considered hard done by the ref who considered it went wide. This would have levelled the score but ten minutes later the Matt Cunliff try blew the 'Black's'away.

 The visitors did their best to get back into the game but they could only manage a last minute penalty to secure a solitary bonus point. The 'Black's' must now keep their nerve and it will be no easy task when Rochdale come into town this Saturday KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cairns, Feldman, Cray, Heywood, Cammiss, McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson (Heath 35), Gallimore, Hallam, Chubb, Dale, Walding, King, Barber. Subs not used, Brown and Steele. 

Scores: Tries Chubb and Walding. Hallam two penalties and one conversion.

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17th March 1st XV vs Rochdale (Home) Won 28-11
Northwich kept the pressure on LSH with this emphatic bonus point win and now only trail them by two points. Widnes, with no bonus point, slip to two points behind the 'Black's' and could do Northwich a massive favour when they take on LSH on April 14th. It really does look as though the race for the play off spot will go right down to the wire.

Northwich played with real conviction and with two converted tries in each half deserved their win. Both teams were missing players and as usual Rochdale never gave up but on balance the spoils rightly went to Northwich. Sam Naylor had an outstanding game at No 8 and was well supported throughout by his wing forwards Ryan McKibbin and Chris James. It was their dogged performance, supported by their front five, that created the platform to see off Rochdale.

The visitors scored first with a Mike Bradwell penalty but on the twenty minute mark a clever kick ahead was collected by Joel Barber who scored between the sticks to set up a dolly of a conversion for Grant Hallam. Ten minutes later Naylor made a lovely break and scored a fine individual try which Hallam had no problem in improving. Bradwell kicked his second penalty on the stroke of half time to throw a lifeline to his team mates.

Half Time Northwich 14 Rochdale 6.

Northwich dominated the second half and prop Lawrence Cray barged over ten minutes into the half. Hallam converted and the bonus point was secured on the hour when Chris James forced his way over the whitewash. Hallam converted to complete a faultless performance with the boot. The game was now well and truly over but gritty Rochdale battled bravely and were rewarded with a 75th minute unconverted try from winger Tom Andrews.

Coach Josh Cammiss used all of his bench and Richard Hart, Paul Eaves and Chris Steele all made their mark. Nothing more than a bonus win will do when bogy team Wirral visit Moss Farm this Saturday KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cray, Feldman, Heath (Eaves 65), Heywood, Cammiss (Steele 65), McKibbin, James, Naylor, Gallimore (Hart 62), Hallam, Brown, King, Barber, Houghton, Chubb. 

Scores: Tries, Barber, Naylor, Cray and James. Hallam 4 conversions.  

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24th March 1st XV vs Wirral (Home) Won 27-15
For the first half hour it was all doom and gloom as the prospect of a home defeat became a possibility with the 'Black's' trailing 0-10 through a Craig Harvey penalty and a converted try from the nippy Wirral scrum half Joe Murray.

The home team were somewhat disjointed with skipper Sam Naylor having to play in the backs and Chris Courtnage at full back for the Hong Kong missing Chris Dale and Andy Chubb. The Northwich forwards were not firing on all cylinders and it took an injury time try from No 8 Graham Robinson to pull his team back into the game. Grant Hallam missed what would have normally been an easy conversion but the 'Black's' were simply not themselves.

Fortunately, in the second half, the 'Black's' regained their composure and Robinson powered over for his second try on the 50th minute mark. Hallam converted to put the 'Black's' in front and when back row forward Chris James barged over on the hour the Northwich spectators gave out a huge sigh of relief. Hallam could not convert the try and ten minutes later Wirral set off the fire alarm when wing forward Rob Pearl scored in the corner. Harvey was unable to level the score and the Wirral flames were doused when Scrum half Mike Gallimore darted in, between the sticks, to snap up the vital bonus point. Hallam converted to make the game secure and well and truly finished off the visitors with an injury time penalty.

The victory meant that the 'Black's' have now beaten all the teams in their league and there was the added satisfaction of leapfrogging LSH who were soundly beaten at Wilmslow. They are now in the second place play off position but will require nerves of steel when they take the long road to Wigton this coming Saturday KO 3pm.

Northwich: Heath, Feldman, Cray, Heywood, Cammiss, James, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Hallam, King, Naylor, Barber, Brown (Houghton 68), Courtnage.

Scores: tries, Robinson (2), James and Gallimore. Two conversions and a penalty, Hallam.

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31th March 1st XV vs Wigton (Away) Lost 21-10
The 'Black's' promotion prospects all but evaporated on Saturday afternoon when a do or get relegated Wigton gave them a lesson in manning up and sent them back down the M6 with their tails between their legs.

The 'Black's' never travel well to Cumbria but they did not anticipate the bumper home crowd who got behind Wigton from the off and when full back Greg Smith scored after four minutes of play they never looked back and justly deserved this crushing win. The platform for victory was built around the Wigton pack who had been putting in extra training for this crucial encounter and it paid dividends as the Northwich forward unit crumbled and collapsed under incessant pressure. Nothing went right for the visitors; the home crowd loved it; Northwich could not deal with it and from early on it was clear that this was going to be a bad day at the office for the 'Black's'.

Smith could not convert his try but kicked a penalty four minutes later. Grant Hallam bagged a penalty for the 'Black's' but as a unit they failed to come to terms and stem the Wigton pressure. On the half hour David Hanabury finished off yet another Wigton onslaught, Smith converted and three minutes later stretched the half time lead to 18-3. The 'Black's had the better of the second half but Wigton kept their shape and discipline to fend off a number of chances from the visitors. Winger Dan King dived over a ruck to score near the posts. Hallam converted but there was only ten minutes left on the clock. Joel Barber was held up over the try line and Graham Robinson came close but not even a bonus point could come the 'Black's' way.

LSH now have the initiative again and only Widnes can save the 'Black's' on April 14th and that is only if Northwich can win convincingly against Broughton Park and Anselmians.

Northwich: Cray, James, Cairns (Feldman 65), Heywood, Cammiss,  McKibbin, Naylor,  Robinson, Gallimore (Houghton 60), Hallam (Brown 78), King, Dale, Barber, Courtnage, Chubb.

Scores: Try King, conversion and penalty Hallam.

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7th April 1st XV vs Caldy (New Brighton) Lost 28-0 Cheshire Cup Final
The 'Black's' were missing key players but put in a very strong performance against a full strength Caldy outfit who are semi professionals and play two levels higher up the food chain. The performances of Naylor, McKibbin and Gallimore certainly caught a few eyes on the opposing supporters side who were complimenting our back row throughout the second half. For long periods in the second half we gave as good as we got and if nothing else proved that we could easily live in the next league up.

The lads need to take what they produced yesterday into this coming week end when they play their last home league game against Broughton Park KO 3pm.

All of the following took to the field in the final: James, Feldman, Cray, Heywood, Smith, McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Hallam, Houghton, Barber, Brown, Walding, Chubb.  Bench: (all used) Cammiss, Hart, Cartman, Farrow, Gough, Senior and Joseph.

Caldy’s report from their web site.

Caldy secure Cheshire Cup for second successive year
Caldy produced a competent performance to win the Cheshire Cup Final against a resolute Northwich, who made it difficult for Caldy to play to their full potential. Two tries in each half saw Caldy win their second successive Cheshire Cup and set them up for their difficult end of season run in.

The first twenty minutes of the game were very scrappy with both sides making mistakes although Caldy had the bulk of possession and should have created more opportunities, with Northwich forcing errors with their stubborn defence. Ryan McKibbin and Sam Naylor for Northwich were tenacious all afternoon and caused problems at the breakdown on more than one occasion. In fact it was not until Naylor was sin binned for cynical play that Caldy took control with two tries in a short period of time. Firstly, James Smith forced his way over the whitewash following a Caldy scrum and five minutes later tight-head prop Derek Salisbury was on the end of a move that saw him stretch over the line for his sixth try of the season. Andrew Soutar converted both tries to give Caldy a well deserved 14-0 half time lead. Northwich rarely threatened the Caldy line in the first half and a number of missed opportunities gave Northwich hope of a second half revival.

Northwich were obviously buoyed by their strong defensive play in the first half and came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half and put some pressure on the Caldy line. Caldy's excellent defence, which has been a hallmark all season, kept Northwich at bay despite them having the bulk of possession. Caldy absorbed the pressure and delivered a body blow to Northwich when against the run of play Ron Eaves scored a brilliant individual try as he broke through several tackles to score close to the posts. Soutar converted to leave the scores 21-0. JJ Dickenson sealed the win for Caldy after he moved to centre and found space to evade two tackles and race under the posts. Richard Vasey, in his first game for six months following a broken leg, kicked the final conversion to win 28-0.

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14th April 1st XV vs Broughton Park (Home) Lost 10-7
The 'Black's' were like a Grand National horse, they cleared the final fence ahead and at 7-0 up they just needed to navigate the long run in to the finishing line but in the last furlong they just did not have the stamina; BP overtook them and with both Widnes and LSH gaining points they effectively ended up a miserable fourth.

Northwich looked dangerous from the off with Cass Walding darting through to score after just five minutes of play. Hallam converted and a five pointer was on the cards but the 'Black's' could simply not turn pressure into more points. They managed to navigate the sin binning of Rob Heath in the 20th minute and held on to the lead until the half time whistle.

It was an awful second half and with an injury to Chris Dale and a spell in the bin for Graham Robinson the 'Black's' could not cope with a determined to stay up Broughton Park. With Robinson off BP upped their forward game and were rewarded with a 68th minute try from second rower Jon Beardmore. Connor Mitchell converted and when he kicked a 75th minute penalty it was season all over for the 'Black's'.

The 'Black's' must now play out their up and down season and try to salvage some pride when they visit Anselmians this Saturday KO 3pm. They are mathematically still in it but will need a very unlikely miracle to reach the play off spot.

This has turned out to be another "only if" season for Northwich and with Sale promising to rip through this league next season it may well be a time to take stock and consolidate their position.

Northwich: Heath, James, Feldman, Smith, Heywood, McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Chubb, Dale (Brown 50), Barber (Cammiss 78), King, Hallam.

 Scores: Try Walding, conversion Hallam.

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21st April 1st XV vs Anslemians (Away) Lost 28-5
The 'Black's' signed off their up and down season with a comprehensive defeat by a relegation threatened Anselmians who put up a magnificent fight to gain their life saving bonus point. Anselmians did what they had to do to stay up and when the news came in that Wilmslow had beaten Broughton Park and thereby making them safe the Anselmians players and supporters went delirious with delight.

In comparison the Northwich contingent slipped quietly away to reflect upon their roller coaster campaign. When the dust settles and matters are reviewed in the cold light of day and account is taken of how the starting squad was ripped apart then a fourth place spot should be viewed as a solid performance.

Anselmians led 7-0 at the break through a Mehe Pepa try and Simon Mason conversion and in the second half as the 'Black's' resistance crumbled three further tries came from Loa Tupou (2) and Nick Hearn. The prolific boot of Simon Mason converted all three. The 'Black's' got close on a number of occasions but could only manage a Mike Gallimore try.

Overall the club as a whole can look back on another successful season and this will be celebrated at the annual Awards Evening at Hartford Golf Club on Saturday 12th May. Any enquiries directed please to Sam Naylor on 07772611274.

Northwich: Cray (Cartman 75), James, Cairns (Feldman 45), Jones (Cammiss 55), Heath, McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Chubb, Dale, King, Houghton, Hallam.

Scores, try, Gallimore.

At this moment in time 'Black's' Stalwart Graham Robinson has announced his retirement from 1stXV rugby citing his police sergeant and family duties. All at the club are hoping that the 29yr old, who is still in his prime, will change his mind. Graham is a product of the club coming through the juniors and colts and into the senior section. A powerful and gifted number eight forward who, when he was in the mood, could dominate a game and intimidate the opposition. A member of the winning Twickenham team he has been a fantastic club member and we still hope we can change his mind.

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