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1st XV Match Reports 2010-11

4th September 1st XV vs Wilmslow (Away) Lost 19-7
This was a disappointing yet predictable start to this seasons campaign and one can suppose that the only thought on coach Alan Jack’s mind is that 'things can only get better.'

Jack was without seven of the squad who came so close to promotion in May. Injuries to Rick Smith, Steve Campbell, Chris Dale, Dara Cairns Adam Bown, Andrew Chubb and Ryan McKibbin has meant that the 'Blacks' have had no warm up games and that Saturdays visit to Pownall Park was the first time that some of the revamped squad had met each other. The obvious consequence was that the 'Blacks' did not function as a team; had no system and in the last quarter completely ran out of steam. On the positive side the new signings of Kiwi stand off Cass Walding and centres Dan King (Caldy) and Tom Hughes (Lymm) looked class acts but if they are really to prove their worth they must be given loads more quick ball. Northwich also defended robustly and the forwards, for most of the encounter, performed well in both scrum and lineout.

The worst aspect of the 'Blacks' play was the totally unacceptable penalty count. They conceded twenty one in all and little wonder that Wilmslow maintained their grip on the game through four Bob MacCallum penalties. The only other points in the match came from a penalty try for the 'Blacks' after 20 minutes of the first half when the Wilmslow pack repeatedly collapsed an advancing five metre scrum. Richard Dale converted to give his team a 7-3 advantage. The Wilmslow try came late on in the second half with the score, through MacCallums boot, standing at 12-7 in the home teams favour. The Northwich pack at this point was in disarray and totally fatigued and had no answer to a simple push over try. MacCallum converted to claim a deserved but less than convincing victory.

Coach Jack has a great deal of work to do; he has a very promising squad but all too typically for the 'Blacks' it looks as though they will be yet again playing catch up. For their first home game Northwich will be entertaining newly promoted Wirral for what should be an evenly contested thriller KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cartman (Heath 50min), James, Brotherton, Heywood, Naylor (Houghton 65), Miritana, Pattenden (Moxon 55min), Gallimore, Walding, Williams, King, Hughes, Barber, Richard Dale.

Penalty try converted by Dale.

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11th September 1st XV vs Wirral (Home) Won 21-18
Wirral came to Moss Farm in a buoyant mood on the back of last weeks home win against New Brighton and pushed the ‘Blacks’ all the way in a tightly fought contest in which the home team just about deserved their four points. They still have big improvements to make but with increased structure and a return of some of their injured players Northwich should more than hold their own in this seasons campaign.

Torrential downpours did not add to the spectacle but the ‘Blacks’ were much more impressive than last weeks outing and once they sort out a decent system of play they should start to stamp their authority in the league table.

Prop John Brotherton opened the scoring by controlling and touching down a push over try after twenty minutes of play. Richard Dale could not convert and Wirral quickly responded with a well taken try from Steve Pendergast which Danny Harvey converted to take the lead. The ‘Blacks recaptured the initiative through a Richard Dale penalty but minutes later Captain Chris James picked up a yellow card for retaliation and Wirral stand off Steve Broadbent punished the misdemeanour to regain the advantage at 8 – 10. The ‘Blacks’ then asserted their authority and hooker Bob Moxon pounced on a spilled ball to score a good opportunist try. Dale converted and just before half time blood substitute James Underhill calmly slotted over a crucial penalty to give the ‘Blacks’ a half time lead of 18-10.

Soon after the interval Sam Naylor was binned for a late tackle and during his absence Wirral wing forward Harry Broadbent scored a fine individual try. There was no conversion but with the score at 18-15 it was anyone's game. Richard Dale relieved the pressure with his second penalty but with five minutes remaining it was hey lads hey when Wirral full back Harvey punished yet another Northwich error. The ‘Blacks ‘held out to take the spoils but they need to up the ante when they visit Altrincham Kersal this Saturday KO 3pm.

Northwich: Senior (Cartman 55min), Moxon, Brotherton, Heywood, Crozier (Fallon 65min), Miritana, Naylor, James, Gallimore, Walding, Williams, Hughes, King, Barber, Dale R, Underhill.

Scorers: tries, Brotherton, Moxon. Conversion: Dale. Penalties: Dale (2), Underhill.

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18th September 1st XV vs Altrincham Kersal (Away) Lost 22-15
One thing that AK possess in the form of full back Sean Rogers is a prolific goal kicking machine. The 'Blacks' realised this when he slotted over his first penalty after three minutes of play. It looked as though the visitors had got the message and for the next twenty minutes they played their best rugby to date. Cass Walding showed his class and deserved his nippy try on the ten minute mark. Richard Dale converted and five minutes later following further intense play he converted a thirty five metre penalty. A charge down from the returning Steve Campbell earned him his first try of the season and although Dale missed the conversion the 'Blacks' were nearly on fire and more than deserved their 3-15 advantage.

All too sadly and so far this season all too typically the 'Blacks' lost their shape and discipline and started to leak penalties left right and centre. Three of these were in the red zone and Rogers converted with ease to bring AK right back into the frame. Half time came and despite clear advice from coach Jack the 'Blacks' started the second half as they had finished the first and Rogers with his fifth conversion levelled the score.

Injuries to Robinson, King and Cairns did not help the visitors situation and despite dogging it out for the next half hour the 'Blacks' failed to clear a greasy bobbling ball AK pounced and scored in the corner. Rogers converted from the touchline to create a 22-15 advantage. With ten minutes remaining the 'Blacks' gave it their all. They came agonisingly close to scoring but AK held out to retain their 100% record.

There were welcome returns from Campbell, Dara Cairns and Ryan McKibbin but niggling Thursday night injuries to captain Chris James and Sam Naylor yet again frustrated Alan Jack in his choice of selection. Once he has a full squad to select from he will be spoilt for choice and we might see some scintillating rugby. Let us wait and see! Next up is Broughton Park, Moss Farm 3pm KO.

Northwich, Cairns, (Cartman 52 min), Moxon, Brotherton, Heywood, Heath, McKibbin, Miritana, Robinson (Crozier 55), Gallimore, Walding, Barber, Hughes, Campbell, King (Williams 50min), Dale.

Scorers: tries, Walding, Campbell. Conversion: Dale. Penalty: Dale.

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24th September 1st XV vs Broughton Park (Home) Won 24-12
There is so much talent and potential in the ‘Blacks’ squad but yet again much of it remained untapped as Alan Jacks men made hard work of dismantling a gritty but mediocre Broughton Park.

There were glimpses of what might be achieved but this was another game littered with penalties, injury breaks and two dubious yellow cards. Neither team got into any rhythm as the man with the whistle took centre stage in a stoppage strewn encounter. What was evident was an awesome defensive display from the whole of the ‘Blacks’ as they smashed down any serious BP attack. All of the visitors points came from the prolific boot of Ronan Obrien as he chased the lead that Northwich never surrendered. Talented left winger Joel Barber opened the home teams account on the ten minute mark as he sprinted 60 metres to outrun the BP defence. Richard Dale converted and stretched the lead five minutes later to ten points with a well taken penalty. Northwich were clearly the better side but by half time O’Brien, through three penalties, had closed the gap to one point.

Two harsh yellow cards either side of half time for Sam Naylor and John Brotherton disrupted the ‘Blacks' game plan but two superb individual tries, both from kicks ahead were scored by Steve Campbell and Sam Naylor. Dale who gave a faultless kicking display converted both and the only other BP points came from O’Brien as he punished Brotherton’s misdemeanour. There is a determination by all to do better and before long things will click and some unfortunate opponent will get a beating. The ‘Blacks’ will need to muster all their talents when they visit high flying Burnage next week KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cartman (Heath 35min), James, Brotherton, Heywood, Naylor, McKibbin, Miritana, Robinson, Gallimore, Cass, Barber, Hughes, Campbell, King, Dale. Subs Moxon, Williams.

Scorers: Tries,Barber, Campbell, Naylor. Conversions Dale (3). Penalty Dale.

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2nd October 1st XV vs Burnage (Away) Lost 13-8
A bizarre invasion of Canada geese which contaminated the 1^st XV pitch resulted in this crucial encounter being switched to the newly opened £400k 3G pitch. It provided a brilliant surface but the ‘Blacks’ had some difficulty in judging the bounce of the ball. The two teams were evenly matched and the game could have gone either way but in the final analysis the ‘Blacks’ missed too many first up tackles and slugged it out in the middle of the park instead of playing it out wide.

This was yet another game the ‘Blacks‘could have won but now they really are playing catch and need a big win against Kirby Longsdale this Saturday KO 3pm. Without doubt the ‘Blacks’ are improving week by week and the home advantage against the struggling KL should provide them with the opportunity to cement a solid system of play and enable them to make some much needed progress.

The discipline was much improved and the set pieces operated efficiently but there appeared to be a distinct lack of finishing. The first half went well for Northwich and they deserved their first half 8-3 advantage. Second row Sam Naylor demonstrated his mobility and quick thinking by taking a quick penalty and then supporting the move to score in the corner after 6 minutes of play. Richard Dale was unable to convert and Burnage closed the gap through an offside penalty from Mike Raikes.

 Both teams battled out the rest of the half and Dale increased the slim advantage by punishing an over the top Burnage infringement. The nip and tuck encounter continued in the second half but a couple of uncharacteristic loose tackles let in sturdy centre Adam Knight for a try near to the sticks. Raikes converted to seize the initiative and take the lead. Raikes took it to 13-8 with his second penalty but with only one score in and with five minutes remaining the ‘Blacks’ could have still pulled it out of the fire. They tried valiantly but Burnage held on to retain their unbeaten record.

Robin Houghton who was standing in for the flued up Mike Gallimore enjoyed a solid game before flying off on a ten month Australian sabbatical and Ryan McKibbin was outstanding in the back row.

Northwich: Cairnes (Wood 60min), Moxon, Brotherton, Heywood, Naylor, Miritana, McKibbin, Robinson (Heath 85), Houghton, Walding, Barber, Williams, Campbell, Barber, Dale.

Scorers: try Naylor, penalty Dale. 

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9th October 1st XV vs Kirby Lonsdale (Home) Won 57-5
This result will send a message to the current high flyers that the ‘Blacks’ are still very much in the chase and with a couple more bonus wins they will be right back in there fighting for the top spot.

Regardless of the score the men from Cumbria never gave up and despite sustaining injuries battled bravely. With 15 minutes of the game gone they led 5-0 through a deserved Matt Hughes try; Andy Hind failed to convert and from that point onwards they were unable to register a further score.

In the first half the ‘Blacks’ bombed at least three try scoring chances but finished the half strongly and led 17-5 through tries from Tom Hughes, Cass Walding and Ryan McKibbin. Richard Dale could only improve Hughes's try but his fortunes were to improve in the second half!

It was clear from early in the second period that KL had shot their bolt and they soon ran out of steam. The ‘Blacks’ moved up a gear and produced flowing and well supported rugby. They still made a few mistakes and over confidence resulted in a number of wild passes but the difference in class started to tell and tries came thick and fast. There were six in all and Richard Dale converted five to make it a second half 42 point landslide. Best of the bunch was a dancing effort from Tom Hughes to bag his brace and winger Josh Holt demonstrated clinical finishing skills to score on his debut. Centre Dan King also picked up two well taken tries and John Brotherton and Joel Barber were the other two try scorers.

In preparing for life after Jamie Miritana who returns to his home town New Zealand next month Coach Alan Jack used him off the bench. He also brought on promising prop forward Paul Eaves for a taste in the top flight. It was also good news for last years captain Rick Smith who thought that a summer knee injury would end his career. He threw caution to the wind and with some heavy strapping gave a solid performance in the second row. All the ‘Blacks’ played well but Bob Moxon was awesome at hooker.

Next up is a visit to Leigh, KO 3pm, they have had a mixed start but as always they will be tough to beat.

Northwich: Cairns (Eaves 60 min), Moxon, Brotherton, Heywood, Smith (Miritana 50 min), McKibbin, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Holt, Hughes, King, Barber, Dale. Not used, Cartman.

Scorers: Tries, Hughes (2), King (2), Walding, McKibbin, Holt, Brotherton and Barber. Conversions Dale (6).

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16th October 1st XV vs Leigh (Home) Won 32-0
This was an emphatic victory by the ‘Blacks’ who put in a storming second half performance to blow away Leigh at Round Ash Park. It was the first away win of the season and with the bonus win it sends out a clear message to those at the top that this season is by no means over for the ever improving ‘Blacks’.

Northwich started convincingly and the eye catching winger Josh Holt scored after 8 minutes of play. With Richard Dale missing centre Tom Hughes failed with the conversion but further tries looked a cast iron certainty. As it was Leigh came back strongly and contained the ‘Blacks’ for the rest of a fiercely competitive half.

From the first whistle of the second half the visitors took complete control and for the rest of the encounter they played pulsating rugby to completely outplay their hosts. Coach Alan Jack smiled like a Cheshire cat as his men combined efficiently and effectively to produce five quality second half tries. Had Dale been available the difference would have been far greater but as it was only Steve Campbell managed to convert one of the tries. Scrum half Mike Gallimore started the second half rout with a canny break to set up back row forward Ryan McKibbin for the first of his two tries. McKibbin who was in awesome form scored again before centre Dan King got on the score sheet with try number four which Campbell had no problem in converting. Gallimore broke on the blind side to register the fifth score and returning captain Chris James came off the bench to bag try number six.

Had it not been for the slow start to the season the ‘Blacks’ would now be right at the top and what they now need is to maintain this rich form when they entertain Liverpool St Helens at Moss Farm this Saturday KO 3pm.

This was an excellent team effort; Cass Walding again demonstrated that he is the most destructive stand off to play in a Northwich shirt. He loves the physical aspect of the game and when he hits a player they certainly know that they have been well and truly clattered! The front row worked like a Swiss watch and McKibbin and Sam Naylor put in a class back row performance.

Northwich: Cairns (James 65), Moxon, Brotherton, Heywood, Smith ( Miritana 50), Naylor, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Holt, Hughes, King, Barber, Campbell.

Scorers: Tries, Holt, McKibbin (2), King, Gallimore and Chris James. Conversion, Campbell.

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23rd October 1st XV vs Liverpool St Helens (Home) Won 15-0
This was a great victory for the Blacks against one of the top sides in the division. 

Steve Campbell was forced to withdraw from the team at the 11th hour due to an accident at work. Despite this pre-match set back the Blacks were in no mood to dwell on the matter and opened the scoring inside two minutes. From the kick off Northwich secured the ball and kicked to the LSH corner a good chase and a poor clearance gave the Blacks an attacking lineout close to the LSH line. Having won the ball the Northwich forwards drove towards the try-line when John Brotherton cleverly peeled off and drove over from close range. Richard Dale missed the conversion attempt. LSH began to enjoy a considerable amount of possession and territory but the Blacks defence was excellent and the visitors could not find a way through. A break out from deep in the Northwich half saw youngster Josh Holt carry the ball within 20 metres of the LSH line where they were caught offside and a penalty was awarded. Before anyone could take a breath Mike Gallimore had taken a quick tap and evaded the LSH defence scoring under the posts. Richard Dale gratefully accepted the conversion. With 25 minutes gone the Blacks were now firmly in control and with Gallimore continually asking questions of the LSH defence it wasn’t long before another penalty for offside presented Dale with the opportunity to extend the lead and give the home side a well deserved 15.0 lead at the break.

The second half proved to be a battle of defences with the honours even. Once again the Northwich front row was superb. The highlight being a break from Brotherton which resulted in some great work from Tom Hughes, Joel Barber and Brotherton crossing the LSH line only to have the referee declare him held up. This foray should have produced a try but only served to galvanize the opposition into making a final effort to take something from the match. However this Northwich defence is exceptional and even when Gallimore received a ten minute rest for straying offside the visitors could find no way through and the match finished with a 15. 0 victory for the improving Blacks. Coach Alan Jack was delighted with his charges as to a man they played with Heart, Passion and Intelligence. Northwich now move up to fifth place in the division and are very much back in the hunt. 

Northwich: Cairns, James, Brotherton, Heywood, Smith, Naylor, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Holt, Hughes, King, Barber, Dale.

Scorers: Tries, Brotherton, Gallimore. Conversion, Dale. Penalty Dale

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30th October 1st XV vs New Brighton (Away) Won 17-8
Coach Alan Jack was happy with this fourth win on the trot, “at least the lads are getting used to winning” but a big concern was that despite having total control of the game the ‘Blacks’ were unable to register what should have been a ‘banker’ bonus point.

New Brighton were mediocre at best, they defended well but their only try came from a loose Northwich pass. The ‘Blacks’ played some sound rugby, they had two tries disallowed but they bombed too many chances and with their main competitors picking up bonus points they effectively dropped a point. Wing forward Sam Naylor set things in motion after eight minutes with a fine break and kick ahead for centre Dan King to outrun the defence to touch down the first of his hat trick of tries. Richard Dale missed the conversion but more scores looked certain as the ‘Blacks’ completely dominated affairs.

Norhwich were on the charge with the first quarter gone when a loose pass allowed NB winger Vincent Dutton to pick up and score in the corner. There was no conversion; the ‘Blacks’ continued to press but it took until just before half time for stand-off Cass Walding to break through and set up King for try number two. Dale was off target but surely Northwich would run riot in the second half.

Half time NB 5 Northwich 10.

The second half was a repeat of the first with Northwich in control but unable to add to their tally. Time and again the ‘Blacks’ came close but missed opportunities and a solid NB defence kept the home side in the game. Indeed a shock result was on the cards when NB stand-off Paul Lewis kicked a long range penalty to bring his team to one score from victory. The ‘Blacks’ responded well to the threat and from a close quarter attacking scrum Dan King was again in the right place at the right time to collect and score his third near to the posts. Dale had no problem in converting and for the remaining five minutes the visitors tried desperately to grab the bonus point. Bob Moxon came ever so close but alas New Brighton held firm.

Northwich take a rest next Saturday but they will need to train really hard in preparation for their crucial visit to Vale of Lune on the 13^th, KO 2.15pm.

Northwich: Cairns, James (Moxon 65), Brotherton, Heywood, Smith, Naylor (Miritana 60), McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Holt (Crighton 55), Hughes, King, Barber, Dale.

Scorers: tries King (3), conversion Dale.

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13th November 1st XV vs Vale of Lune (Away) Lost 10-3
This was a pulsating encounter full of physicality and a desire to win. Both teams were evenly matched and defended brutally. It was lost by the ‘Blacks’ in the first ten minutes when according to referee Damian Hamilton the visitors could not do a thing right. It was penalty after penalty with the ‘Blacks’ players and spectators failing to see why! Vale fullback Neale Foster kicked an early penalty, Rick Smith was yellow carded for killing the ball and from another nebulous penalty Vale scrum half Darren Wilson took a quick tap and despite appearing to spill the ball referee Hamilton awarded the touchdown. Foster kicked the easy conversion and with ten minutes gone the ‘Blacks’ had a mountain to climb.

As the game crunched on the ‘Blacks’ settled down and they were eventually rewarded with a Richard Dale penalty but try as they might they could not break through the Vale defences.

Half time came and went, Coach Jack utilised his bench, as did the Vale staff, but for the rest of the game it was a virtual stalemate with both teams attacking and defending as if their very lives depended upon grinding out a win. The ‘Blacks’ came close on a couple of occasions and Vale had a try disallowed.

On the day a draw would have been a fair result and despite gaining a bonus point there is now some clear blue sky appearing at the top of the table.

As Alan Jack opined “it is a long season and it is far from over yet, the lads have now got to show their mettle, train hard, work as a team and take the points when we meet Sandbach next week.” He is bang on the money there and although the ‘Blacks’ were more than sound individually they need to get their phases sorted.

There will be a bumper crowd at Moss Farm this Saturday KO 2.15pm. Sandbach will be no pushover but John Cosgrove will be hosting his annual Presidents’ Day and only a win will be acceptable for him.

Northwich: Cairns, Moxon, Brotherton, Smith (Miritana 60), Heywood, Naylor, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Holt (Fallon 65), Hughes, King, Barber, Dale.

Scorer Dale,penalty. 

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20th November 1st XV vs Sandbach (Home) Won 31-14
The ‘Blacks’ celebrated Presidents Day with a comfortable victory over a Sandbach team that were in essence a shadow of their former selves. From the start the result was never in doubt and in truth had Northwich played to their true potential they would have won by a far greater margin.

Captain for the day and man of the match award winner was Jamie Miritana who played his last game for the ‘Blacks’ before he flies off with his wife Leanna back to his native New Zealand. During his six seasons at the club he has been a magnificent player and he will now rightly become a Northwich legend.

The first half was a very one sided affair and Richard Dale commenced a faultless performance when he opened the scoring with a well taken try after five minutes of play. He converted his try and then slotted over a penalty to stretch the lead. Further pressure resulted in a Graham Robinson push over try and young Dale had no problem in converting.

Half time came and the ‘Blacks’ were worth more than their 17-0 lead but it was Sandbach who scored next when scrum half George Oakey charged down a Cass Walding clearance. Will Cargill converted and technically Sandbach were back in the game. The ‘Blacks’ responded well and constant pressure was rewarded with a short range charge from Rick Smith. Dale converted and when centre Steve Campbell scored an excellent interception try there was absolutely no way back for Sandbach. Dale converted to maintain his 100% strike rate.

 The ‘Blacks’ should have rammed home their superiority and put Sandbach to the sword but they gifted their guests some semblance of credibility when second row Chris Davenport powered over from a five metre line out. Cargill converted and although the ‘Blacks’ came close they could not add to their account.

With the bonus point and other results the ‘Blacks’ have clawed back a few valuable points and they should add to this when they visit West Park St Helens this Saturday KO 2.15pm.

Northwich: Cairns (Cartman 77min), Moxon (James 27min), Brotherton, Heywood, Smith, Miritana, Naylor, Robinson (Whale 45min), Gallimore, Walding, King, Hughes, Campbell, Barber, Dale.

Scorers: Tries, Dale, Robinson, Smith, Campbell. Conversions: Dale 4. Penalty: Dale.

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11th December 1st XV vs Wirral (Away) Won 20-14
With five of his first choice players unavailable through injury or work commitments coach Alan Jack must have thought that Christmas had come early when after only ten minutes of play the Blacks were 12-0 up and completely in the driving seat.

Fullback Richard Dale scored a fine running try wide out on the five minute mark. He failed with the conversion but five minutes later he had no problem in improving a Rick Smith pushover try. At this stage a bonus point looked a certainty but within the space of a minute both Mike Gallimore and Smith were dispatched to the sin bin. Gallimore interfered with the ball following a penalty to the opposition and Smith who is returning to his pre injury form took a team yellow for not rolling away from the ball. Obviously this completely altered the structure of the game and the Blacks never quite got back into their stride.

They defended like Trojans and Wirrals only advantage came from a Sam Broadbent penalty kick. Gallimore and Smith returned but there was no further score in the half.

Broadbent kicked his second penalty immediately after the break and it was clear that the Blacks were in a real fight for the game. Richard Dale eased the pressure with a penalty after five minutes of the second half but ten minutes later, following some uncharacteristic schoolboy tackling, Wirral winger Ali Baker scored in the corner. There was no conversion but when Broadbent kicked his second penalty to bring his team to a one point margin the game was in the balance.

With ten minutes remaining the Blacks gritted their teeth and fought their way up field. The referee could not convince himself to award what appeared to be a legitimate second try for Richard Dale. Instead he awarded a five metre scrum to the Blacks and from a resulting maul John Brotherton forced his was over the line. Dale could not convert from the touchline; Wirrall threw everything, including the kitchen sink, into the remaining passages of play but the Blacks held firm to clinch the double over their hosts. This was a depleted Northwich team but they played with grit and determination. Elliot Fallon and Rick Smith were the pick of the forwards and Cass Walding shone in the backs.

The Blacks should have a full squad available next week. They will need to be at full strength it for the visit from title hopefuls Altrincham Kersal, KO 2.15pm.

Northwich: Cairns, James, Brotherton, Heywood, Heath, Whale, Fallon, Smith, Gallimore, Walding, Chubb (Oultram 65), Naylor, King, Barber, Dale.

Scorers, tries, Dale, Smith and Brotherton. Conversion, Dale. Penalty, Dale.

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8th January 1st XV vs Broughton Park (Away) Won 64-9
This was a cracking start to 2011 for the ‘Black’s’ as they ripped apart the once much vaunted Broughton Park. It was an awesome seven try second half blitz which simply blew BP away and sent out a clear message to the league leaders that the ‘Black’s’ intend to push them all the way to the finishing line.

Scrum half Mike Gallimore picked up a severe dead leg at Thursday night’s training session and Coach Alan Jack decided to hand the number nine shirt to back row forward Sam Naylor. It was an inspired move and Naylor deserved the man of the match award as his style of play completely opened up the game and allowed the ‘Black’s’ to run freely and demonstrate their undoubted talent.

It was a tight first half but two push over tries from Kiwi Huia Whale and John Brotherton and an early penalty from Richard Dale put the writing on the wall for the continuously under pressure BP outfit. Dale converted both tries and although BP never threatened the ‘Black’s’ line stand off Ronan O’Brien kept BP in touch with three penalties.

The second half was a nightmare for BP and their fans as Alan Jacks men ran riot and scored a magnificent seven tries. They were scored by backs and forwards who were hungry, more disciplined and who played with real passion. Prop John Brotherton scored two more tries to complete his hat trick, winger Joel Barber scored early on, Captain Chris James bagged a brace and the returning No 8 Graham Robinson and centre Steve Campbell added to the rout. Richard Dale kicked three conversions in total with two of them from the touchline.

Tom Bradfield replaced him after 58 minutes and Joel Barber took over the kicking duties; he took on the responsibility like a duck to water and slotted over 5 second half conversions. Broughton were in disarray, never threatened and could not wait for the final whistle.

So life without Jamie Miritana was not as bad as predicted and in flanker Huia Whale the ‘Black’s’ have picked up a like for like replacement. Manager Yan Cartman has also found a real gem in centre Ben Geatches who has joined from Stourbridge. Cartman who played a full game for the missing Dara Cairns gave a solid performance in the front row.

It is hey lads hey this Saturday as the ‘Black’s’ take on leaders Burnage at fortress Moss Farm KO 2.15

Northwich: Cartman, James, Brotherton, Heywood, Smith (Farley 68 min), Whale, McKibbin, Robinson, Naylor, Walding, Barber, Campbell, Geatches, King, Dale (Bradfield 58 min).

Scores: tries, Brotherton (3), James (2), Whale, Campbell, Barber, Robinson. Pen, Richard Dale.

Conversions: Dale (3), Barber (5).

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15th January 1st XV vs Burnage (Home) Won 14-8
You had to be there to believe it; to witness what was probably the finest victory in the clubs history. I have been with the club for over forty years and never did I play in or observe such a game. You could not write a script for what was to take place and for those who played in it I will guarantee that in fifty years time, when they are old men, they will still talk about the time when, despite being down to thirteen men; they defended and increased the score against the full strength league leaders and unbeaten Burnage.

It started well enough for the ‘Blacks’ when fullback Richard Dale opened the scoring with a five minute penalty and things got even better when five minutes later stand off Cass Walding floated a perfectly timed cross kick for winger Joel Barber to collect on the full and out run the defence to cross in the corner. Dale could not convert but matters appeared to be going well for the home team when along came a sequence of events that were to rock the foundations of Fortress Moss Farm and to inspire and extract from the Northwich team levels of sheer guts and determination they never knew they had!

A quarter of the game had gone when winger Dan King was adjudged to have aimed a kick at a Burnage player and Liverpool Society ref James Brown gave a straight red. Three minutes later captain Chris James was sent to the bin for collapsing a maul and then minutes later prop John Brotherton was given a red for biting the finger of a Burnage player. This incident took place in the Northwich dead ball area following a Burnage lineout, the play had stopped and Brotherton and a Burnage player were rolling around having a little tussle. Brotherton alleges that he instinctively bit the burnage player who was gouging inside his mouth. The ref was having none of it and the Black’s were down to twelve men. James came back on only to have flanker Ryan McKibbin sent to the bin for kicking the ball from the hands of the Burnage scrum half.

Matters deteriorated further when prop Yan Cartman injured his knee and was unable to continue. This led to uncontested scrums but in the final analysis this favoured the home team allowing them to conserve their energy levels to mount what was the most awesome defensive display ever witnessed at Moss Farm.

Burnage reduced the arrears with an Adam Knight penalty to make the half time score 8-3.

For ninety per cent of the second half the Blacks defended as if their very lives depended upon protecting their try line. The personal commitment, determination and sheer passion displayed by the Blacks, to a man, epitomised what wearing a Northwich shirt is all about. Against all the odds the Blacks protected their score and actually increased it with a Dale penalty and a wonderful drop goal from Steve Campbell. It took three minutes of injury time before the Blacks eventually gave way for Adam Knight to score an unconverted try.

This was a bizarre, amazing match never to be repeated and the Burnage coaches and players must be asking themselves where they went wrong but they have got to admit that they came up against a team who would never say die. Well done Blacks you really are the Team of the Town.

Northwich: Cartman (Smith 30), James, Brotherton, Heywood, Whale (Heath 35), Naylor, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Barber, Campbell, Geatches, King, Dale.

Scores: try Barber, penalties, Dale (2), drop goal Campbell.

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5th February 1st XV vs Liverpool St Helens (Away) Lost 22-12
The Blacks promotion or playoff hopes all but evaporated at a rain soaked Moss Lane on Saturday afternoon and now their destiny lies in the hands of others.

This was a crucial encounter for both teams and on the back of a Moss Farm 15-0 win in October and the victory over leaders Burnage the Blacks started as favourites. In a tense and hard fought first half each side missed a penalty opportunity but there was little else between these two well balanced teams and this was reflected in a 0-0 half-time score line.

There had been plenty of first half activity but the second half exploded into action when two minutes into play Blacks centre Ben Geetches breached the LSH defence to set up a ruck two metres from their try line. Mike Gallimore broke laterally to set up Steve Campbell for the easiest of a try. Richard Dale converted and it was game on for the Blacks. They upped the ante and attacked again and when wing forward Ryan McKibbin scored in the bottom left hand corner Northwich were firmly in the driving seat. Dale could not convert but with 12 points on the board and with LSH looking somewhat dishevelled a comprehensive Blacks victory was certainly on the cards.

Maybe the Blacks players thought that LSH had shot their bolt but what followed was a real lesson for any team who unwittingly take their foot off the gas. As Northwich appeared to loose their shape LSH regrouped, gritted their teeth and mounted a sterling fightback. Second row forward Mark Williams ignited the touch paper and deserved his push over try. Greg Smith could not convert but LSH now had a spring in their step. LSH hopes could have been dashed had the referee allowed a Mike Gallimore try but his attention was drawn to a nearby bust up and instead he blew his whistle and restarted with a Blacks scrum.

From then on LSH took control and centre Matt Cunliff had an easy overlap to cross the Northwich try line. Smith converted to level the score and with 7 minutes left on the clock he seized the initiative through a well taken penalty. Northwich tried vainly to get back into the game and although they came close LSH stood firm and with the last play of the game back row forward Phil Bamber was on the end of a driving maul to finish off the exhausted Blacks. Smith converted and LSH were ecstatic. They deserved their victory and all the Blacks can do now is to win all their remaining fixtures and hope that those above them slip up on the way.

Northwich: Wood (Cartman 52), James (Feldman 72), Cairns, Heywood, Smith, Naylor, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Barber, Geetches, Campbell, Bradfield, Dale.

Scorers: tries, Campbell, McKibbin. Conversion, Dale

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12th February 1st XV vs West Park St Helens (Away) Won 37-10
This was not the pushover fixture predicted by the pundits and although they prop up the league West Park competed well throughout and deserved their early ten point lead.

Alan Jack needed to re jig his team due to the enforced absence of the suspended Brotherton and King and owing to police and fire duties for Robinson and Campbell. Sam Naylor was relocated into the backs and Birkenhead Park import John Feldman was given his first full game at hooker. Captain Chris James started from the back row and was joined by kiwi Huia Whale. This Blacks combination took time to settle and for the first twenty minutes they were on the back foot and were ten points adrift from a Warren Hunt penalty and a well crafted try from centre Liam Tai-Hogan which Hunt also converted.

From the second quarter onwards the Blacks settled into a rhythm and gradually ground down their opponents. Richard Dale started the comeback with a penalty and a couple of minute’s later winger Joel Barber cleverly kicked ahead and outran the defence to score the first of his hat trick of tries. Dale could not convert but put his team in front with his second penalty. The first half came to an end with two quick tries which effectively put an end to any possible upset from West Park. Sam Naylor sliced through the defence to score an easy try which Dale converted and then following a perfectly controlled driving maul the ball was fed to Barber to set him up for his second try. Dale converted to end the half and create a comfortable 25-10 margin.

West Park had the better of the third quarter but were unable to convert pressure into points. In the fourth period the big West Park pack ran out of steam and the Blacks reasserted their authority. The ball flowed and Barber deserved his hat trick. Dale converted but just failed to better the best try of the game when the Blacks attacked from deep in their own half and Sam Naylor finished off the move to score his second try.

Robinson and Campbell return for this week’s encounter with New Brighton at Moss Farm KO 2.15. The Blacks need to secure another five pointer and hope that the leaders slip up.

Steven Farrell of Brunner Mond will open the new Brunner Mond scoreboard at 2pm.

Northwich: Wood (Senior 35), Feldman, Cairns, Heywood, Smith, Whale, James, McKibbin, Gallimore, Walding, Barber, Naylor, Geaches, Bradfield, Dale.

Scores: Tries, Barber (3), Naylor (2), pens: Dale (2), conversions: Dale (3).

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19th February 1st XV vs New Brighton (Home) Won 32-8
The fat lady is warming up her vocal cords but with Burnage slipping up at Wilmslow she has not yet started to sing. The Blacks climbed a place to fourth and with nine games still to play the show isn't over yet.

This performance was a bit like the curates egg, good in parts but the Blacks will need to up their game for this weeks visit from unknown quantity Wigton. It is the final week of the six week ban imposed on John Brotherton and Dan King so in theory Coach Alan Jack should have a full squad to select from for the crunch encounter with Vale of Lune on March 5^th.

New Brighton turned out to be one dimensional in choosing a pick and go game plan and instead of playing a wide game the Blacks adopted a similar style. The result was a fairly dour encounter punctuated with passages of flair. Ryan McKibbin struck after five minutes and seared through the NB defence to score and set up Richard Dale for an easy conversion. A rout looked a possibility but NB dug in and trench warfare broke out. There were two further scores before half-time; a penalty from Dale and a try from Chris James after Ryan McKibbin stole the ball from a NB defender. Dale could not convert and at 15-0 the Blacks had not taken advantage of their superiority.

The second half was a similar experience to the first; NB stand-off Steve Dean kicked an early penalty but it wasn't until the 55^th minute when Alan Jack rung the changes by bringing on Huia Whale and Rob Heath that the Blacks kick started themselves into action. Veteran prop Yan Cartman bulldozed his way over for his first try in five seasons, Dale converted and effectively the game was won and over. Chris James scored a second unconverted try from a NB breakdown and then NB, through John Williams, scored a consolation try following an unending period of pick and go.

The game was virtually over when Sam Naylor perfectly timed his running line to burst through the NB defence to then kicked ahead and set up winger Joel Barber for the best try of the game. Dale could not convert and there was no further score.

Northwich: Cartman, Feldman (Whale 55), James, Heywood, Smith, Naylor, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Chubb (Heath 55), Barber, Geaches, Bradfield (Gough 65), Dale.

Scores: Tries, McKibbin, James (2), Cartman and Barber. Conversions: Dale (2). Penalty, Dale.

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26th February 1st XV vs Wigton (Home) Won 17-5
Several words spring to mind in attempting to describe this less than memorable encounter; I will save my initial thought until later but this match was certainly fast and furious, there were big hits from both teams, the Cumbrians displayed grit and determination and as usual the Northwich defence, particularly when under pressure, was awesome.

Heavy overnight rain meant that the match was played on the Blacks 2ndXV pitch as Coach Jack wanted to utilise the firmer surface to play a wider game. The home team started at a blistering pace and good passages of play created at least three scoring chances but final loose passes kept the score sheet blank.

A convincing victory for the Blacks looked a certainty but early injuries to Yan Cartman and Sam Naylor disrupted their rhythm and the big Cumbrian pack dominated the second quarter and the Blacks were unable to mount any serious threat. The visitors really and truly upset the apple cart when winger Callum Studholme crossed the whitewash on the stroke of half time. His unconverted try was well deserved but surely the Blacks were capable of better than this.

The Blacks did dominate the second half and hooker John Feldman, who was covering for the temporary absence of Richard Dale, scored his first try in a Blacks shirt as he powered over five minutes into the second half. He then left the field to allow Dale to return to convert the try and overtake the visitors.

The Blacks remained in control but were unable to achieve their objective of securing the bonus point and there was nothing of significance until a Dale penalty on the 68 minute mark. There was a late rally from the Blacks as they for once worked their phases and were rewarded with a Steve Campbell try.

Richard Dale fell over as he kicked the conversion but it still managed to creep over the bar.

This was a deserved victory but it could have been more emphatic if the Blacks had calmed down a little, assessed the situation and stuck to a game plan. They will need to do this When Vale of Lune visit Moss Farm this Saturday KO 2.15. My initial view of this game has just sprung to mind and it involves a chicken without a head.

Northwich: Cartman (Heath 22), James, Cairns (Feldman 69), Heywood, Smith, Naylor (Whale 28) McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Barber, Campbell, Geatches, Bradfield, Dale.

Scores: tries, Feldman and Campbell, penalty, Dale. Conversions, Dale (2).

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5th March 1st XV vs Vale of Lune (Home) Won 15-3
This was a real dog fight between two teams at the top of their game and the result was always in the balance. In the end it was the ‘Fortress Moss Farm’ mentality that kept Northwich in the play off chase. Vale pushed the ‘Blacks’ all the way but try as they may the visitors could not break down the home sides awesome defence.

There was nothing between the teams until Sam Naylor, on the 35 minute mark, cleverly passed the ball from the front of a Northwich line out to put Captain Chris James over for a try in the corner. Richard Dale, who had an outstanding game, could not convert but he had no problem in stretching the lead with a first half injury time penalty.

Vale lost the plot slightly in the second half and picked up two yellow cards but as is often the case they responded strongly and whilst down to thirteen men picked up their only score through a Neil Foster penalty.

It remained a ding dong game until on the 65^th minute mark ‘Blacks’ stand-off Cass Walding launched a counter attack, fed the ball to Ryan Mckibbin who broke through three tacklers to score a superb individual try under the posts. Dale converted to ease the pressure but Vale continued to fight back and were given further encouragement when Chris James killed the ball in the loose to earn a yellow card and take no further part in the afternoons proceedings. Vale pressed and threatened but the ‘Blacks’ gritted their teeth to keep their valiant opponents at bay.

The ‘Blacks’ will need to maintain their momentum when they visit Sandbach this Saturday KO 3pm. A win would set them up nicely for the crunch game of the season when Altrincham Kersal visit Moss Farm on March 19^th.

It was good to have John Brotherton and Dan King back from their six weeks ban and Mike Gallimore was in electric form.

Northwich: Cairns, James, Brotherton, Heywood, Smith, Naylor (Feldman 35), McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Barber, Geaches, Campbell, King, Dale (Chubb 72).

Scores: Tries, James and McKibbin. Conversion Dale and penalty Dale.

For full range of pictures visit - https://picasaweb.google.com/Northwichrufc/20110305?authkey=Gv1sRgCJvTscWAlJC9_AE&feat=email#

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12th March 1st XV vs Sandbach (Away) Won 27-17
Sandbach by their own admission have had a disappointing season but they raised their game at Bradwall Road and were a deserved 11-10 ahead at the interval. Sandbach have always been the ‘Blacks’ bogey team and for some reason they never produce their best against them. This was certainly the case in the first half where the visitors lacked rhythm and structure. The ‘Blacks’ however did responded positively to an early set back when Sandbach caught them cold with a well taken 3 minute try from winger Freddie Oakley which Will Cargill was unable to convert from wide out. Northwich drove straight back downfield and Mike Gallimore scored one of his trademark close quarter tries on the five minute mark. Dale had no problem in converting and a short period of domination from the ‘Blacks’ allowed Dale to stretch the advantage through a 15 minute penalty kick.

The ‘Blacks’ then lost the plot; Cargill kicked his second penalty with the first quarter gone and struck again on the half hour when Ryan McKibbin was sent to the bin for killing the ball. Sandbach held onto their lead and at half time Coach Alan Jack delivered a few home truths to his lacklustre charges.

Whatever he said did the trick and the second half was only five minutes old when Gallimore upped the anti and crafted a move to set up Joel Barber for a try in the top left hand corner. Dale could not convert but the ‘Blacks’ kept their nerve and control and a simple driving maul was rewarded with a John Brotherton try. By this time Dale had left the field and Joel Barber just missed the long range conversion attempt.

There appeared to be no way back for Sandbach but in the 57^th minute they were given fresh hope when yet again the ‘Blacks' were punished by Cargill for killing the ball. Sandbach lost a player to the bin and Northwich took full advantage and drove a five metre scrimmage over the Sandbach try line for No 8 Graham Robinson to claim the glory. With the bonus point in the bag Barber converted with ease to put pay to any further aspirations Sandbach may have had. With 80 minutes on the clock Rick Smith was harshly done over when what appeared to be a good turnover was judged to be a further kill and his game was over. Cargill kicked his fourth penalty and Sandbach continued to press for the couple of minutes of injury time. The ‘Blacks’ held firm to complete the double over their neighbours.

Alan Jack will hopefully have Sam Naylor back from injury and be an able to select from a full strength squad for the crunch encounter with Altrincham Kersal at Moss Farm KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cairns (Heath 65), Feldman, Brotherton, Heywood, Smith, James, McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore, Walding, Barber, Campbell, Geatches, King, Dale (Chubb 50).

Scores: Tries, Gallimore, Barber, Brotherton and Robinson. Conversions: Dale and Barber. Penalty: Dale.

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19th March 1st XV vs Altrincham Kersal (Home) Won 15-11
The victory over Burnage in January was something special but this win over the hitherto unbeaten AK will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it. It was all the more remarkable because many of those present, including the writer, did not expect to win. The ‘Blacks’ were already depleted with injuries to Richard Dale and Dan King but when Huia Whale missed his flight back from Ireland and Sergeant Graham Robinson was called into work the task of beating a full strength AK unit seemed a mission impossible.

What many did not take into account was the sheer passion, grit, guts and determination of the selected 18 to hang onto the unbeaten home record and to prove yet again that on their day the ‘Blacks’ are the best team in this league.

This was a non-stop intensive and explosive encounter with AK having the upper hand in terms of control and possession but in the final analysis they could not break the will of the ‘Blacks’ who time and time again smashed down attack after attack. The one occasion when AK did cross the try line was in the 5th minute of first half injury time when some judged that Johnny Singleton hit the corner flag before touching down but referee Simon Mckeen conferred with his touch official before awarding the try. AK kicker Shaun Rogers could not manage the difficult conversion but he will rue the sitter of a penalty he missed earlier in the half.

It was a fantastic start for the ‘Blacks’ who caught AK cold. The game was only two minutes old when the home side played up field and were awarded a five metre scrum. They won it and from a resulting maul prop John Brotherton powered over the line. Joel Barber had been given the kicking role and duly registered an easy conversion. It seemed then to be all AK with the ‘Blacks’ for most of the time defending. Rogers missed his easy chance at goal and then on the 33^rd minute the ‘Blacks’ mounted a counter attack which again resulted in a five metre scrum. They must have known it was coming and they sparked him out in the process but AK could not stop scrum half Mike Gallimore from scoring one of his typical close quarter tries. Barber would normally have slotted over but on this occasion he missed the conversion. So it was 12-0 to the ‘Blacks’ but Gallimore had to retire. Sam Naylor switched to scrum half, Rick Smith dropped into the back row and Chris Steele made his debut in the second row engine room. It looked as though the ‘Blacks’ might hold out to the break but Singleton scored to make it 12-5 and all just knew that there was plenty more to come.

During the half time break it was clear that Cass Walding was concussed and would be unable to continue. Alan Jack promoted Joel Barber to stand off and brought Tom Bradfield into the fray. This meant a complete change in the half backs but cometh the hour then cometh the men and for the rest of the game Naylor and Barber worked flawlessly together. Northwich had their attacks but for most of the half they were defending like Trojans. Yan Cartman played his part during a blood injury to captain James. The ‘Blacks’ held out but with 15 minutes to go centre Ben Geatches was sin binned for killing the ball and during his absence Shaun Rogers struck twice to narrow the score to 12-11. These were desperate times, Geatches returned and the ‘Blacks’ were given a life line in the last minute of normal play when AK went over the top in a ruck and Barber kicked competently to convert. There was still four minutes of injury time to endure and AK never gave up but neither did the ‘Blacks’ defensive line and at the final whistle the Moss Farm crowd were in heaven. There were no stars, all 18 were magnificent.

Northwich: Cairns, Feldman, Brotherton, Heywood, Smith, James, McKibbin, Naylor, Gallimore (Steele 33), Walding (Bradfield 40), Chubb, Campbell, Geatches, Bown, Barber.

Scores: Tries, Brotherton and Gallimore. Conversion and penalty Barber.

Photos of the game at https://picasaweb.google.com/Northwichrufc/20110319?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLz6YaYxaqNHw

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26th March 1st XV vs West Park St Helens (Home) Won 29-6
After Altrincham Kersal this was a big anti climax with the ‘Blacks’ not living up to expectations and West Park playing above themselves. The game was marred by two serious injuries; the first on the half hour when West Park wing Nigel Rothwell popped his head out of the side of a ruck just as ‘Blacks’ centre Ben Geatches was entering it. The result was a nasty injury to his nose and mouth requiring hospitalisation. Referee Andy Daniels thought long and hard before red carding a seemingly innocent Geatches. The second was five minutes later when, following a knee to his ribs whilst he was on the floor, ‘Blacks’ scrum half Mike Gallimore sustained a suspected ruptured spleen and was ambulanced off to Leighton.

The injuries affected both sets of players and it was not until well into the second half that the ‘Blacks’ started to play with some authority and in the end ran out comfortable bonus point winners.

With 35 minutes on the clock West Park were ahead through two Liam Hill penalties and all the ‘Blacks’ had to show was a five pointer from a push over by No 8 Graham Robinson. At this stage substitute Pete Pattenden replaced an out of sorts Sam Naylor and quickly made his mark by scoring a close quarter try which Joel Barber comfortably converted.

Half time came and in the second half there was no way back for West Park. There were no fast flowing quality scores but the ‘Blacks’ ground out three short range forward tries; the first from veteran second row forward Rob Heath and the last two from the irrepressible prop forward John Brotherton. Joel Barber could only convert the first but at least there was the bonus point.

The injury and red card resulted in disjointed ‘Blacks’ performance but the return of Rick Smith and Chris James will bolster the ‘Blacks’ for their third home game on the trot when they take on Leigh KO 3pm.

Northwich: Cairns, Feldman, Brotherton, Heywood, Heath, Naylor (Pattenden 35), McKibbin, Robinson, Gallimore (Whale 37), Barber, Bown, Campbell, Geatches, King, Chubb.

Scores: Tries, Robinson, Pattenden, Heath and Brotherton (2). Conversions, Barber (2).

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2nd April 1st XV vs Leigh (Home) Won 24-3
Coach Alan Jack demanded a five pointer and although Leigh turned out to be a tough nut to crack crack they did and the ‘Blacks’ outside playoff hopes remain on track. Leigh were tenacious throughout and never gave up but a fifteen minute penalty from Mark Welch was all they had to show for all their dogged determination.

The ‘Blacks’ were yet again awesome in defence and their four tries, two in each half, were hard earned. The first came after seven minutes of play when stand-off Cass Walding made a clean break to set up Ben Geatches for his first try in a ‘Blacks’ shirt. Joel Barber converted and proceedings looked promising for the home team. Leigh however were having none of it; Welch closed the gap and it was not until five minutes into the second quarter that the ‘Blacks’ stretched their lead when winger Dan King banged his way infield to score near the posts. Barber fluffed the conversion and Leigh held onto the break.

Both teams made error after error but on the 55^th minute mark the ‘Blacks’ set up a flowing attack for centre Steve Campbell to score a classic try. Joel Barber easily converted and in reality it was game over for Leigh. The ‘Blacks’ however needed that bonus point and it came just after the hour when they attacked from near their own try line. The handling was electric and the move was ended when Campbell received the final pass to score by the sticks. The conversion should have been a doddle but Leigh managed to charge it down. To their credit Leigh then threw everything into attacking the ‘Blacks’ try line but try as they did there was no way through the ‘Blacks’ brick wall defences.

This was a creditable performance from the ‘Blacks’ and their objective is another bonus point when they take the long road to Wigton next Saturday KO 3pm.

Northwich: James, Feldman, Brotherton, Heath, Smith, Heywood, Whale, Robinson, Naylor, Walding, Bown (Chubb 68), Campbell, Geatches, King, Barber.

Scores: Tries, Geatches, King, Campbell (2). Conversions, Barber (2).

Photos available at https://picasaweb.google.com/Northwichrufc/20110402?authkey=Gv1sRgCMrly_nKoI3-nwE&feat=email 

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9th April 1st XV vs Wigton (Away) Lost 27-12
Any hopes of promotion evaporated in the Cumbrian sunshine when The Blacks were well beaten by a very well organised Wigton side. Northwich travelled to Wigton with a much changed side due to the absence of Steve Campbell, Ryan McKibbin Dara Cairns Rob Heath and Mike Gallimore. Nevertheless expectations were high. Northwich have a never say die mentality and confidence was high going into the Match. The opening exchanges seemed to suggest this confidence was not misplaced as the Blacks put the home side under immediate pressure. But the story of the day would be a series of errors and some wrong options. After dealing with the early pressure Wigton broke out of their half and produced a fine try after some good work from the forwards and some quick handling to release their winger who squeezed into the corner for the opening try.

Then came the killer blow from the restart the Wigton received the ball and launched a counter attack. With some uncharacteristic sloppy tackling they carried the ball almost the length of the field to score by the posts. 10 minutes later The Blacks were once again applying pressure to the Wigton defence when a turnover ball gave them the opportunity to again attack from deep and score under the posts. As half time was approaching Rick Smith was passed a short ball from a ruck and broke through the Wigton defence to give Northwich some much needed confidence for the second half.

Half Time 17-5

The second half opened with The Blacks once again pressurising Wigton. However it seemed panic had set in and all the good work was wasted due to so many unforced errors. On the 65 minute Wigton scored the best try of the match. The Scrum Half broke from a ruck and placed a deft kick for the winger to collect and feed back inside for the support player to score a fine try. Another Wigton try was followed by a consolation try by the supporter’s man of the match Cass Walding. The extras were duly accepted by Joel Barber. It was a bad day at the office only partially sweetened by the fact that even a win would have been academic as the top three sides all won. Coach Alan Jack was clearly disappointed with the result but was pleased with effort of his charges who tried everything to secure a win.

Full Time 27-12

Northwich have now secured 4^th place in the league and will reflect on what could have been. 

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16th April 1st XV vs Wilmslow (Home) Won 41-7
Oh if only the ‘Blacks’ could have played like this at the start of the season. It seems an age since September 4^th when a disjointed Nothwich XV were beaten 19-7 by Saturdays visitors to Moss Farm. In glorious sunshine an on fire ‘Blacks’, stung by last week’s defeat at Wigton, ripped apart Wilmslow and completed their home matches and stretched their Moss Farm unbeaten run to a remarkable two whole seasons. Within half an hour the home team had scored four tries, secured their bonus point and put the game beyond the reach of a punch drunk Wilmslow outfit.

Northwich played with intensity from the start but to be fair to Wilmslow, for the first fifteen minutes, managed to somehow soak up the pressure. The floodgates opened when Chris James scored from a five metre scrum. Joel Barber could not convert and it was the same story when a few minutes later Ryan McKibbin finshed off a flowing move. By this time the ‘Blacks’ were in the groove and firmly in the driving seat. Stand off Cass Walding set up Joel Barber for a well taken score before he himself intercepted to score under the posts. Richard Dale converted both but was unable to improve try number five when Dan King completed another excellent Northwich manoeuvre.

The half time score of 29-0 suggested a rout for the ‘Blacks’ and when Graham Robinson scored try number six to make it 36-0 Wilmslow were all at sea. If the ‘Blacks’ had stuck to the plan more tries were a certainty but they started to play as individuals and Wilmslow were rewarded with a Tony Vassell try converted by Jason Longmore. The ‘Blacks’ responded immediately with a Sam Naylor try which Dale easily converted. The game then became a bit ragged and was played out with a further score.

The first half was the ‘Blacks ‘at their best and the victory meant that for the second season in succession they had beaten all the teams in their league.

The ‘Blacks’ have one remaining fixture which will see them travel to relegated Kirkby Lonsdale a week on Saturday. Regardless of the result they will finish 4^th and will reflect upon what could have been.

The club is determined to mount a serious promotion challenge next season and are already putting matters into place. They now know all too well that it is the early results that determine success or failure.

Northwich: Cairns, James, Brotherton (Cartman 58), Heath, Smith, Heywood, McKibbin, Robinson, Naylor (Farrow 75), Walding, Chubb, Campbell, Dale (Lamb 65), King, Barber.

Scores: Tries, James, McKibbin, Barber, Walding, King, Robinson and Naylor. Cons: Dale (3).

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30th April 1st XV vs Kirby Lonsdale (Away) Won 32-17
The 'Blacks' signed off the season with a comfortable victory over relegated KL in a sun bathed but windy south Cumbrian valley on Saturday. Northwich sent a depleted XV and although it took them half an hour to register a score they eventually ran in five tries and secured the bonus point in the process.

KL never gave up and in a second half which ended up with uncontested scrums they were rewarded with two converted tries and when added to a first half penalty their tally will give them hope for next season.

The 'Blacks' fielded two ex colts in Ian Lamb and Ben Jones and both performed well with Lamb scoring a try late in the second half. The other four tries came from Ryan McKibbin, Rick Smith, Adam Bown and Joel  Barber.  Richard Dale kicked a penalty and two conversions.

All in all this was a successful season for Northwich who for the second season in a row went undefeated at Moss Farm and registered a victory against every team. They also secured the best defensive record in the league. They will however reflect upon the missed opportunity of National League rugby but they are as determined as ever to do it next season!

Northwich: Cairns, Feldman, James (Cartman 45), Heywood, Smith, McKibbin,Whale,  Robinson, Bown, Walding, Chubb, Campbell (Jones 40), Dale, Lamb, Barber.

Scores: McKibbin, Smith, Bown, Barber and Lamb. Penalty and two conversions Richard Dale.

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30th April 1st XV vs Kirby Altincham (Away) Won 32-17
The 'Blacks' signed off the season with a comfortable victory over relegated KL in a sun bathed but windy south Cumbrian valley on Saturday. Northwich sent a depleted XV and although it took them half an hour to register a score they eventually ran in five tries and secured the bonus point in the process.

KL never gave up and in a second half which ended up with uncontested scrums they were rewarded with two converted tries and when added to a first half penalty their tally will give them hope for next season.The 'Blacks' fielded two ex colts in Ian Lamb and Ben Jones and both performed well with Lamb scoring a try late in the second half. The other four tries came from Ryan McKibbin, Rick Smith, Adam Bown and Joel  Barber.  Richard Dale kicked a penalty and two conversions.

All in all this was a successful season for Northwich who for the second season in a row went undefeated at Moss Farm and registered a victory against every team. They also secured the best defensive record in the league. They will however reflect upon the missed opportunity of National League rugby but they are as determined as ever to do it next season!

Northwich: Cairns, Feldman, James (Cartman 45), Heywood, Smith, McKibbin,Whale,  Robinson, Bown, Walding, Chubb, Campbell (Jones 40), Dale, Lamb, Barber.

Scores: McKibbin, Smith, Bown, Barber and Lamb. Penalty and two conversions Richard Dale.

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