A kick starts the game, accumulated penalties win games and a strategic kick to touch or across field brings try opportunities, Northwich has over the years been blessed with kickers the faithful will recall Hudson, Jones, Eyres, Bell and now Baldwin (there have been many others). And last weekend for Northwich, as so often before proved the point.

Did you know 9th February 1957 England fullback Bob Challis created something of a stir in Dublin on his Test debut when he elected to use place-kicks to find touch from penalties. The tactic was effective, England winning 6-0 thanks to a Challis penalty and a try from Peter Jackson.

Friday night
Northwich Gargoyles travel to Chester for a veterans / casuals fixture. Northwich 3s have no Saturday game so an abundance of talent is expected to make the journey.

Northwich travel to Carlisle in a return to league action, 2.15pm kick-off. Carlisle not losing a league fixture since visiting Northwich 20th October. Northwich were worth the 5 points and their performance belied their then league position. They were sharper and probably half a yard quicker to the breakdown than the Warwick road side. They stepped up to the plate against an unusually flat Carlisle side, and made the most of the considerable possession they enjoyed.

Having a week off will have revived Carlisle who some thought they maybe faltering following being knocked out of the Cumbria cup by Penrith in the semi-final, then drawing away at Broughton Park. However they recovered form beating both Anselmians then Warrington in their last outing.

There’s no doubting it, this will be a test for the resilience of Northwich against Carlisle a team with few weaknesses the boots of Baldwin for Blacks v Carlisle’s Connon, may well be the defining difference.

Northwich may just require the 1525 Curse of Carlisle to return snapping at their heels for the afternoon.

Northwich 2 host New Brighton at Mossy 2.15 ko. In the previous meeting the Stags delivered. The game was filled with plenty of moments to keep spectators engrossed, from red and yellow cards to huge tackles and great line breaks.The game went pointless for the first 15 to 20 minutes with neither side able to capitalize on chances they had. It takes a skill to be able to kick between the sticks from out wide, so you can imagine the Black and Gold’s surprise when Richard Hart somehow missed a penalty in front of the sticks on the 22! Northwich going on to win 12-47.

Sunday
Northwich colts welcome Bury to Moss Farm 2pm kick-off. It was only a few weeks ago Northwich looked the next team to withdraw from colts competition. With a large number of senior colts playing in the Northwich teams on Saturdays coach Daley was becoming frustrated with the challenge of motivating 17 / 18 year olds to get out of bed on a Sunday at mid-day to play rugby. Thankfully Percy Verance (whoever he is!) joined the squad and in their last two fixtures Northwich have provided a spectacle of running rugby and have been sublime in recording 105 points for conceding only 31, both games played away. Northwich promise an extravaganza for home supporters this weekend.

If you can’t travel or the weekend weather takes another turn Saturday & Sunday 6 Nations games will be on the big screen live in the clubhouse. Treat the wife & kids this weekend at Northwich Rugby Club.
Enjoy your weekends rugby.