Sometimes a score-line doesn’t tell the whole story

It is true that sometimes a scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story. There was no doubting that Rossendale were the stronger of the two outfits. However, Northwich made a major contribution in producing a fine match that was competitive throughout. The trip to league leaders Rossendale was always going to be difficult, but injuries and absences deprived the squad of 6 players. Elliot Kelsall, Jonny Pym and new boy Zac Richardson were among those drafted into the squad along with Coach Sam Naylor. All these changes meant that some players were selected out of position making the task ahead even more of a challenge.

The match started with Northwich taking the match to their illustrious opponents. The first 10 minutes saw the blacks pressing the home side and putting them firmly on the back foot. Unfortunately, they were unable to capitalise, and Rossendale began to control the ball and slowly start to pressure the blacks. On the 15-minute mark the first try was scored by the home side following a sustained period of pressure. The extras were added, and Rossendale took a seven-point lead. The following 25 minutes was all about character. The Northwich defence was superb with everyone committed to the cause. None more so than Fire and Heat Man of the Match Boitumelo Tsatsane who was involved in everything. Although this was a team effort special mention should also go to Jack Owens, Zac Richardson, Jonny Pym and Patrick Douglas all of whom were excellent. With the half deep in stoppage time Rossendale were awarded a scrum on the halfway line and despite some committed defending they launched a slick attack which was finished off with a well taken try which went unconverted. At the break the home side held a 12-point lead in what was a first-class half of rugby.

Within 5 minutes of the restart Rossendale broke the visitor’s hearts. From a scrum deep in their own half showed some real class and with some great handling a support play they went almost the length of the pitch to score a converted try. Five minutes later the blacks were awarded a penalty on the halfway line. Tsatsane opted to kick for goal and was successful giving the visitors some well deserved points. From the restart the blacks tried to run the ball from deep in their own territory. However, the ball was lost, and some good interplay led to a bonus point try for the home side. By now the match was running away from Northwich who were trying everything to gain parity. This endeavour left the visitors exposed and Rossendale were able to run-in a further three tries (two converted) the last of which was deep in stoppage time.

Despite this defeat there was much to applaud. To a man the effort was supreme and the scoreline was flattering to the victors and certainly did not reflect how competitive this match was. As the faithful left the pitch-side everyone commented on what a fine contest it was and how well the team played. The blacks left Rossendale licking their wounds and will use the break to prepare for the next round in the knowledge that there is a lot more to come.
Next Week Northwich take a break and return to action on 2nd December to entertain Leek KO 2.15 pm.
Northwich Team
15 Richard Dale
14 Jack Owens
13 Boitumelo Tsatsane
12 Zac Richardson
11 Eli Brizendine
10 Logan Mitchell
9 Austin Fernandez
1 Gabriel Sipapate
2 Eon Du Preez
3 Rory Leijdekkers (Capt)
4 Patrick Douglas
5 Callum Hulbert
6 Anthony Keller
7 Joe Christian
8 Jonny Pym
Replacements
16 Aaron Collins
17 Elliot Kelsall
18 Sam Naylor