Northwich pack dominated the scrums

3s new players shine

Northwich 3rds 20 v Sandbach 3rds 35
This was always going to be a hard game even without the gale force winds, we knew Sandbach would be a well drilled side.
They opened the scoring with an unconverted try. Northwich lost their discipline and gave away a number of silly penalties which resulted in Sandbatch kicking a penalty.
Northwich pack dominated the scrums and took a number of balls against the head with help of our new tighthead prop Jason Martin. From a scrum, which Northwich controlled, Harry Naylor fed the ball along the line Nathan Johnson who as usual created a gap before passing the ball which got to Harry Naylor who sidestepped a number of Sandbach players to score a magnificent try.
Northwich made some simple mistakes and paid dearly for it letting Sandbach in for two more tries of which one was converted: half time score 5-20.
Once again Northwich ill discipline cost them with Sandbach converting a penalty. Then Northwich came alive, Sweeny and Jack Bailey leading the way with some crunching runs and hard tackling and Sweeny scored a well deserved try crashing over their try line. Tom Williams has now found a new position and had an excellent game as flanker.
Shortly after this try Northwich were down to 14 players and Sandbach scored another unconverted try.
Northwich were not down hearted and still had a lot of fight left in them putting pressure on Sandbach, the forwards winning the ball and the threes passing the ball along the line with some great handling. making his debut at centre was Andrew Stoker who will be a great asset to the club.
Northwich’s next try came from the forwards picking up the ball and taking it to Sandbach and power house Sweeny forcing his way over the line for his second try
Now the game was changing in Northwich’s favour again, the forwards winning the ball making ground before releasing it to the threes. This style of play led to Northwich’s last try scored by Steve McKenna.
With only 14 players Northwich tired quickly and Sandbach took full advantage and scored a converted try.

Even though Northwich lost, the lads can hold their heads up high as they gave everything.
Player of the match this week went to two players who tackled everything and powered their way through Sandbatch defence: Sweeny and Jack Bailey.
Squad
1 Martin
2 Chunky
3 Morris
4 Young
5 T Sparks
6 Sweeny
7 T Williams
8 Bailey
9 Naylor
10 Kelsall
11 Forrest
12 Johnson
13 Stoker
14 Mckenna
15 Lawler