DoR Postie delighted with performance

Bowdon 12 Northwich 38

The blacks visited Bowdon without talisman Richard Dale but buoyed by the return of Phil Williams who strengthened the squad by his appearance on the bench.

It had been a couple of seasons since the blacks last visited Clay Lane and they were welcomed in fine style. At the start the weather could not have been better for running rugby, however this was to change as persistent rain became order of the day. Northwich started the brighter of the two sides as they carried the ball well and deprived the home side of any possession. However, it was Bowdon who drew first blood when, against the run of play they scored twice in the first quarter. The first score came of a lineout that set up an attack and after a number of charges Bowdon found a massive overlap to score a converted try. Minutes later their lead was extended. Once again from a lineout the home side went on the offensive and some sloppy defence another try was scored but the extras were missed. The visitors started to assert themselves and after a period of sustained pressure a long pass found Kyle Clarke who registered the blacks first points. Baldwin added the extras and the blacks were on the way. As the match entered the last 10 minutes of the first half. More pressure gave Baldwin the opportunity to exploit the gap and score a fine try that he converted. This brought the half to an end with the visitors enjoying a two point lead.

The second half started well for the blacks with an early Baldwin penalty extending the lead. Northwich were beginning to take control with the back row seeming to be first to every breakdown and man of the match Mike Bradshaw hungry to carry the ball to the opposition. With just 10 minutes of the gone Tom Husbands collected the ball deep in the Northwich half and went on a run that would finish close to the Bowdon line. The ball was moved swiftly for Naylor to capitalise and score leaving Baldwin to convert. On the 75th minute a solid scrum saw Naylor break the line to provide Tom Wood with the opportunity to score a fine debut try and ensure the blacks a bonus point. The final minutes belonged entirely to Northwich and the pressure was rewarded when a neat Baldwin cross kick found the safe hands of Kyle Clarke whose converted try completed a fine afternoon for Northwich.

This was a tricky encounter for Northwich and Martin Poste was pleased with the overall performace and believes the blacks can kick on from this point.
Next week Northwich entertain Firwood Waterloo KO 3pm

1 Mike Bradshaw 2 Mike Gough 3 Mark Thompson 4 Chris Heywood 5 Patrick fray 6 Chris Dale 7 Sam Naylor 8 Matt Ensor 9 Matt Poste (Capt) 10 Nick Baldwin 11 Tom Husbands12 Tom Wood13 Scott Davidson 14 Kyle Clarke 15 Joel Barber 16 Shaun Burmah 17 Phil Williams18 Jan Cartman