Altrincham Kersal U12s vs Northwich U12s

In it together

With the planned fixture against Wythenshawe cancelled due to the home team struggling for numbers, Northwich were pleased and relieved to be invited to Altrincham Kersal RUFC in the leafy suburbs of south Manchester. Neither team had met in recent seasons so it was with excitement and curiosity that the two teams squared up to each other. With both teams having reduced numbers due to the half term break, it was quickly agreed that a coached game would bring the best out in both sides.

Altrincham Kersal started strongly with the visitors at times overawed with the opposition's controlled aggression and determination. Control of the ball was lost in the rucks, leading to the home team running in a flurry of early scores. However as the game progressed Northwich woke from their slumber to take control of the game, in a measured and disciplined manner recycling the ball to produce direct and hard hitting progressive rugby. Learning from their errors, Northwich committed greater numbers to the ruck however this at times left their defence out wide weakened, which the opposition exploited. The home team played an open game, often focused on risk taking and kicking into space, which gave much needed possession to Northwich.

Throughout the morning players from all sides were swapped and interchanged between the two clubs. This led to Northwich learning how to play an open, free running, risk taking game, whilst Altrincham Kersal learnt from Northwich's strengths of retaining possession of the ball and playing a more direct, hard hitting style of rugby.

The morning's rugby was considered a great success by all players, coaches and parents. New friendships were made and it was agreed the two clubs would work more closely together in the future as after all, we are all in it together