De La Salle 17 Northwich 51

This was the first visit to Lancaster Road in league competition.

De La Salle 17 Northwich 51
The absence of Chris Dale, Ben Ridgeway and the departing Kyle Lindsay forced Martin Poste to re-shuffle his resources. Despite the fact the De La Salle were without a win the blacks were well aware that this would be no walk in the park. The message from Poste was not to let complacency be the downfall.

After just two minutes the blacks were on the scoreboard with a Baldwin penalty awarded for a high tackle. The reply was instant as DLS gathered the kick off and went on the attack. Some sloppy defense was punished with an unconverted try. On the 6th minute another Baldwin penalty restored the lead for Northwich, a lead that would not be surrendered. With just 20 minutes gone the blacks scored their first try. A great build up spearheaded by man of the match Ensor saw the ball moved to James who forced himself over the line from close range. The extras went begging but the blacks were taking control. Seven minutes later an attacking scrum saw a back row move bring fullback Barber into the line to score a fine try which was converted by Baldwin. With the coming to a close Baldwin kicked deep the excellent chase delivered an attacking scrum. Once again a pick up set the backs up and a long pass to Houghton produced a third try which Baldwin converted.

The second half started with the visitors on the attack. However, the ball was stolen and the ever ambitious DLS countered and with some great support work were rewarded with a converted try. The blacks were stunned into action and from the kick off recovered the ball and following a series of drives released Skinkis to score in the corner. Baldwin added the extras and the bonus point was secured. On the 58th minute the blacks won a scrum close to the opposition try line. The ball was moved wide and a neat wrap round saw Houghton score his second try. Despite the missed conversion the match was all but over. On the 70th minute a Baldwin kick was gathered by the defender but the chasers forced an error and Barber pounced to score a simple try for Baldwin to convert. With 2 minutes remaining a lineout produced quick ball which was moved wide for Skinkis to score his second try and provide Baldwin with yet another successful conversion. At this point DLS were down to 13 players as a result of 2 yellow cards. Despite this they continued to carry the match to Northwich and were successful in scoring the final points of the match with an unconverted try.
Poste will have been happy with the performance. Du Randt in the centre proved successful and young Tom Clark continues to impress.

Next week Northwich entertain Penrith KO 2.15pm

1 Joe Maddocks 2 Mike Gough 3 Adam Bennett4 Chris Heywood 5 Matt Ensor 6 Chris James 7 Sam Naylor 8 Richard Dale 9 Matt Poste (Capt) 10 Nick Baldwin 11 Robin Houghton 12 Will Du Randt 13 James Underhill 14 Hayden Skinkis 15 Joel Barber 16 Tom Husbands 17 Tom Clark 18 Chris Bradshaw