This contest was one of contrasting halves with Northwich dominating the first 40 minutes and Burnage controlling the second half. A dip in energy and some ill-discipline put paid to the Northwich ambitions as they were only able to take a losing bonus point from this had fought match. Although the conditions were ideal for rugby, especially on the Burnage 4G pitch it was bitterly cold as the faithful will testify. The deluge that affected the original date for this match has completely ruined the grass pitches. This necessitated back-to-back matches for both the 2nd XV and 1st XV so there was plenty of rugby on offer including the Six Nations.
The blacks started brightly and immediately took the game to Burnage. The visitors seemed to be in complete control until in the 13-minute Burnage mounted an attack. A penalty was followed by a quick tap and following some neat handling the home side scored a try in the corner. This was followed by a well struck conversion giving Burnage the lead against the run of play. Ten minutes later with Northwich back on the attack. Man of the Match Juan Smit broke the line and found Zac Richardson with an inside pass who scored a fine try which was converted by Oscar Malik. On the half-hour a break and a pass by Boitumelo Tsatsane gave Tom Husbands the opportunity to attack he kicked ahead and Tsatsane collected the ball to score a try that Malik converted. As the half was ending a lineout on the halfway line was quickly passed to Richardson who sprinted for the line catching the Burnage defence asleep. Malik added the extras, and the half closed with the blacks firmly in control.
Burnage 7 Northwich 21

Whatever was said at the break had a positive effect on the home side as they came out all guns blazing. Using their extremely ambitious backs they launched an assault on the Northwich line. Within just 3 minutes of the restart narrowed the gap with a well taken converted try off the back of a lineout. Ten minutes later the match was tied when the blacks were caught offside, and Burnage opted for a lineout. With the ball secured the home side went on the attack and some slick handling created the space for another converted try. At this point Burnage had their tails up and Northwich seemed to lack the energy of the first half. With 20 minutes remaining Malik carried the ball in the Northwich 22 and executed a chip kick. However, there were two players in front of the kick and a penalty was awarded and the kick was secured. Two minutes later another penalty was awarded for not rolling away at the ruck once again the kick was accurate, and a 6-point lead established. This seemed to bring much needed life back into the blacks and they battled enthusiastically to rescue the match. However, the resolute home defence remained intact, and the blacks had to settle for a losing bonus point and wonder what might have been.

The coaching staff were understandably disappointed with the outcome but will be encouraged by a first half performance that was full of promise. This week the lads will prepare for an early KO to accommodate the travelling visitors from Douglas. This will be yet another stern test and the blacks will need to be at their very best.
Final Score Burnage 26 Northwich 21