A brace for Skinkis!

Back to second spot.

Carlisle 12 Northwich 16

After the disappointment of last week the blacks needed to bounce back. They did so, but in a more dogged fashion than cavalier. Director of Rugby Martin Poste asked for more from the players and they certainly delivered. Some minor tweaks were made to last weeks squad who were all clearly up for the contest. Despite all the rain the pitch was in fine condition, although it was heavey in places.

Northwich started well, retaining possession and going through their phases. Reward came after 5 minutes when following a great build up Baldwin produced a pinpoint cross field kick for Skinkis to gather and score. The conversion was missed but the blacks seemed to be on their way. The home side came back strong and put the Northwich defense under a lot of pressure. However, with 17 minutes gone the blacks broke away and Carlisle were penalised when they were caught offside. Baldwin was on target and the lead extended. The teams went toe to toe for the next 15 minutes until another Baldwin penalty gave the visitors an 11 point lead which they carried into the break.

After the beak the home side went on the offensive and with just 5 minutes of the second half gone Carlisle scored a close range try off the back of a well organised lineout. With the match evenly balanced the next 20 minutes proved to be a stalemate. It was at that point the home side turned the screw and following a series of scrums close to the Northwich line they were awarded a penalty try to take lead. It was beginning to look like deja vu as the blacks tried everthing to break the home defence. with just 3 minutes remaining the break finally came. After applying constant pressure the Carlisle defence became stretched and another accurate cross field kick from Baldwin found Skinkis who just loves to finish. The extras were missed and the visitors had to endure a nailbiting close to the match. Once again the back row were magnificent with Dale outstanding. However, this was a team effort and to a man they all did their job.

Next week Northwich entertain St Benedicts in a rearranged fixture. KO 2-15pm

Northwich Ridgeway, King,Hulbert, Heywood,Fray, English, Balshaw,Richard Dale, Poste, Baldwin, Montgomery, Reilly, Underhill, Skinkis, Barber Dean, Thompson, Sam Naylor