Northwich 34 Carlisle 15

Northwich welcomed league leaders Carlisle to Moss Farm under no illusions about the task in hand. Carlisle are flying high in this division with good reason. The consensus around the ground was that the visitors were an excellent team with very few weaknesses. However, they came to Northwich on a day that the blacks decided to put in a seasons best performance and remind everyone how good they can be. On a warm day with the pitch in good order the scene was set for a real thriller of a match. Northwich were worth the 5 points and their performance belied their league position. They were sharper and probably half a yard quicker to the breakdown than the Warwick road side. They stepped up to the plate against an unusually flat Carlisle side, and made the most of the considerable possession they enjoyed.

From the whistle the match burst into action as the visitors carried the ball deep into Northwich territory. The blacks turned the ball over and went on a multi-phased counterattack earning a penalty 5 metres from the Carlisle try line. Poste reacted swiftly took a quick tap and crossed for the opening score. Baldwin added the extras and the blacks were 7-0 up after just 4 minutes. The response from the visitors was almost immediate. A penalty gave them the opportunity to create a lineout. With the ball secured Carlisle launched attack of quality, ball carriers attracted defenders leaving the space out wide for the winger to score. A fine conversion leveled the match and it was game on. Northwich were proving a real handful at the breakdown, their blindside flanker was a particular menace all game. On the 15 minute mark Chris Dale stole the ball and set up an attack. A long pass from Baldwin found Skinkis who finished the move with a fine try. Baldwin added the extras. On the 20th and 25th minutes the Northwich lead was extended with penalties that Baldwin was happy to slot over. With the half drawing to a close the blacks had a defensive scrum that Chris Dale picked from at the breakdown Man of the Match Kyle Lindsay gathered the ball and set off on a superb run when he was eventually stopped the ball was released an Baldwin place a perfectly weighted kick for Barber to collect and score, with the extras added by Baldwin the home side were beginning to relax. This was not the end of the half as the visitors were awarded a penalty for not releasing and following the successful kick the half ended with Northwich ahead 27-10.

This was a great match played at breakneck speed and despite the points advantage there was a feeling that the visitors were still capable of turning things around. On the 57th minute Carlisle were awarded a penalty close to the black’s line. They opted for a scrum and their much heavier pack were able to drive across the line to score, the conversion was missed but the match was finely balanced. With 10 minutes remaining Northwich took control. Once again it was the combination of Chris Dale and Kyle Lindsay that made the breakthrough to create quick ball for Barber to cross the line and score his second try. Baldwin added the extras to complete the scoring. The remaining 10 minutes were about Carlisle trying to salvage something from the match and Northwich defending for all they were worth. This was a quality match between two very good teams.

Director of Rugby Martin Poste was delighted with the performance of the team. To a man they all performed well and demonstrated their commitment to the cause.
Next week Northwich travel to Manchester KO 3.00pm

1 Joe Maddocks 2 Mike Gough 3 Ben Ridgeway 4 Chris Heywood 5 Matt Ensor 6 Kyle Lindsay 7 Sam Naylor 8 Chris Dale 9 Matt Poste (Capt) 10 Nick Baldwin 11 Tom Husbands 12 Richard Dale 13 James Underhill 14 Hayden Skinkis 15 Joel Barber16 Tom Clark 17 Chris James 18 Adam Bennett