Burnage 27 Northwich 21

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Burnage 27 Northwich 21
Northwich were in no doubt about the enormity of the challenge at Burnage. In recent time there have been so extremely tough contests between the two sides often with very little separating them in terms of the scores. Martin Poste was able to field a strong side with only minor changes from the previous week.

It only took one minute for the home side to get on the board. A penalty for offside presented Burnage with the easiest of kicks for 3-0 lead. This had a positive effect on the blacks who came back with all guns blazing searching for a hole in the resolute Burnage defense. However, against the run of play the home side demonstrated what an attacking force they can be and on the 17th minute they produced a counter attack of real quality to score a fine converted try. Still reeling from this score the blacks were stung again from the restart. High on confidence the home side received the ball and once again showed great skill and purpose as they scored a second try and with the successful conversion raced to a 17-0 lead. At this stage it looked like it would be a long afternoon for Northwich. Stunned into action the blacks began to assert themselves and at the half-hour were rewarded for their efforts. Following a good build up the visitors were awarded a scum close to the Burnage line. Dale picked up and drove for the line, at the ruck Poste collected the ball and forced himself over for the opening score. Baldwin added the extras. With the half drawing to a close the blacks were given a penalty opportunity when Burnage were caught offside. Baldwin was on target and the half closed at 17-10 in favor of the home side.

With 10 minutes of the second half gone Northwich were awarded a penalty for not releasing in the tackle. Baldwin was again on target to narrow the deficit. Nine minutes later Barber made a decisive break from inside the visitors 22. Barber carried the ball deep into the Burnage half providing quick ball for Baldwin to cross kick Skinkis. Hi in turn showed great composure to gather and force himself over for a good score. The extras went begging but the blacks had take the lead for the first time in the contest. On the 67th minute the home side regained the lead with a penalty kick, which, was followed 5 minutes later with another Baldwin penalty to restore the one point lead. The travelling support held its breath, but it only took two minutes before Burnage replied.. The home side gathered a clearance kick and proceeded to attack. They showed real class in completing a fine move with a converted try. The remaining minutes were a stalemate giving the home side a deserved victory.

This was a bruising encounter and DoR Martin Poste will have been proud of his charges in particular the character of the side.

Next week Northwich entertain Blackburn KO 3.00pm

1 Joe Maddocks 2 Conor Lapniewski 3 Ben Ridgeway 4 Chris Heywood 5 Matt Ensor 6 Martin Balshaw 7 Sam Naylor 8 Richard Dale 9 Matt Poste (Capt) 10 Nick Baldwin 11 Robin Houghton 12 Joel Barber 13 James Underhill 14 Hayden Skinkis 15 Will Du Randt 16 Tom Clark 17 Chris James 18 Mike Gough