When a defeat takes you up the table

Still in it till the end.

Northwich 5-12 Vale of Lune

With the sun shinning on Moss Farm for the first time in an age a large crowd gathered to watch this top of the table clash. Northwich were always aware of the enormity of the task, but were keen to test themseles against the best. It was clear from the start why VoL are champions elect. They are a well drilled and skillful team who have an ambitious approach to the game.

From the kick off the blacks received the ball and proceeded to build some phases. However an early error handed the initiative to the visitors who went on the attack. The Northwich mid-field were caught napping and an incisive break was made. The cover takle was deemed to be high and with the line begging the referee awarded the visitors a penalty try. This seemed to wake Northwich up as they started to play with some purpose. The blacks took control of the territory and possesion and were rewarded on the half hour with a fine Barber try following a sustained passage of pressure. Northwich maintained this pressure but when VoL stole the ball they demonstrated a cutting edge. From a lineout they moved the ball to the mid-field and a clean break was made this was followed by a simple draw and pass for a clinical score. The xtras were missed and the half closed with a 12-5 lead for the visitors. A score line that would remain throughout the second half.

The second half remained uncompromising with the blacks throwing everything at VoL However, the visitors defense proved solid and Northwich could not find a way through. Frustration was evident and both Baldwin and Balshaw received yellow cards as the frustration got the better of them.

This was a match of high quality and worthy of a top of the table. DOR Poste was proud of his charges and could not ask any more from them.

Next week Northwich travel to Firwood Waterloo KO 1600 hours (to be confirmed)

Northwich | Ridgway, Lapniewski, Hulbert, Heywood, Dudley, Naylor, Balshaw, Richard Dale, Poste, Baldwin, Skinkis, Reilly, Underhill, Du Randt, Barber Replacements Thompson, Farley,Baille Tries Barber (1)