In a thrilling match this was a genuine team performance from Northwich

A good day for Northwich both on and off the pitch. Our first encounter in the league with Leek looked like it would never take place. The contest had been delayed twice by adverse weather conditions, so it was with some relief it eventually got underway. As this was a planned rest day for rugby the Ladies Day was sold out and there was no room in the Clubhouse for Northwich to entertain the visitors Leek. Once again Northwich Cricket Club came to the rescue and allowed us to use their facilities for both Pre and Post Match refreshments. Three of our oversees players had already booked a weekend in Amsterdam and with a further two late withdrawals resources were stretched to the max. Up stepped Craig Fortune, Andy Outram, Tom Wilson, Oliver Kenny, and new boy Carl Woods making his 1st XV debut. With so many changes this crucial match was even more challenging.

After the recent rainfall the match surprisingly was played in near perfect conditions with first blood going to the visitors. Following a penalty Leek opted to go for a lineout with the ball secured they went on a charge and following a couple of phases moved the ball wide to score in the corner. The Leek goalkicker was in excellent form and slotted the extras with just 7 minutes on the clock. Five minutes later the blacks responded. A free kick set up an attack and Richard Dale made a clean break and fed Tom Husbands who went over for a try. The extras were missed but the blacks were on the scoreboard. Both sides slugged it out for the next ten minutes until a penalty gave Northwich an attacking lineout. The blacks pressed the visitors line before moving the ball wide for Taylor Haugh to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but Northwich had taken the lead. Five minutes later Leek drew level through a penalty kick that was awarded for a high tackle. Northwich responded swiftly. From a solid scrum the ball was passed to the mid-field where Haugh joined the line and beat all the would-be defenders to score a great try which Husbands converted. This was followed Five minutes later with a seven pointer from Leek. Another attacking lineout gave the visitors the opportunity to attack the home sides line. And although the initial defence was solid when the ball was moved wide Leek scored a fine converted try. With the half in added time Northwich were awarded a penalty when Leek strayed offside. Tom husbands slotted the goal bringing the half to a close and Northwich a 3-point lead.

Tree minutes into the second half the visitors drew level again with a penalty. Another Leek penalty five minutes later restored the visitors lead. The battle continued and following a series of attacking lineouts Leek extended their lead with a third converted try. At this point it looked like the Northwich challenge had run out of steam. However, there is a never-say-die attitude in this team and with ten minutes remaining the blacks went on a sustained attack which culminated in a try for the Fire & Heat Man of the Match Sam Naylor. Tom Husbands added the extras, and a bonus point was secured. Buoyed by this score the Northwich spirit lifted and they pressed desperately for a win. Leek defended for all they were worth but with the last play of the match the mercurial Eon du Preez crossed the line to give Northwich the hardest of fought victories. The extras were missed but with 5 points in the bag nobody really cared.

In a thrilling match this was a genuine team performance from Northwich with notable contributions from Richard Dale, Craig Fortune, Taylor Haugh, Logan Mitchell, and Patrick Douglas. This week preparation with turn to the visit of Wirral for another crucial contest.

Next Week Northwich entertain Wirral KO 2.15 pm.
Northwich Team

15 Taylor Haugh

14 Tom Husbands

13 Jack Owens

12 Richard Dale

11 Andy Outram

10 Logan Mitchell

9 Liam Batt

1 Carl Woods

2 Eon Du Preez

3 Rory Leijdekkers (Capt)

4 Craig Fortune

5 Patrich Douglas

6 Aaron Collins

7 Anthony Keller

8 Sam Naylor

Replacements

16 Tom Wilson

17 Oliver Kenny

18 Charlie Bancroft