MoM Mike Gough & match report

Northwich 23 Broughton Park 15`

It was a busy day at Moss Farm with all three senior teams at home and our annual “Ladies Day”. The scene was set for a fantastic occasion. However, the late withdrawal of Chris James and Richard Dale meat that Martin Poste had to adjust his resources to best effect. He was able to call on the services of Tom Clark whose return to 1st XV action was accelerated having been out with injury since August.

The blacks began the match at a rate of knots showing good ball retention an patience. With just 7 minutes gone they set up an attack of the back of a lineout. A series of carries created the space for a long pass to Husbands who scored in the corner. At this point it looked like Northwich would overpower Brought Park, but this would not be the case. Despite enjoying possession and territory the blacks could find no way through the resolute BP defence. As the half drew to a close the visitors mounted an attack. A scrum deep in Northwich territory enabled the visitors to go on the offensive and a well delayed pass created an opening for BP to score an unconverted try and level the score. With the half deep in stoppage time Northwich were awarded a penalty when BP failed to release in the tackle. Baldwin slotted the kick and the half ended with the home side in the lead 8-5.

The second half started much as the first with the blacks in control. An attacking lineout was secured and driven with real purpose. The drive concluded when man of the match Mike Gough crossed the line to extend the lead. Three points were clawed back by BP with a well taken penalty. It was on the 70th minute when the match took a desperate turn. A speculative pass was intercepted by the visitors and despite a last ditch attempt to tackle the try was scored and converted. With 10 minutes remaining things looked ominous for Northwich. But there is a resilience about this team and when they started to re-assert themselves. A penalty was awarded but rather than kick for goal the blacks opted fro a scrum after some considerable pressure a maul was formed and Maddocks forced himself over for an unconverted try and a 3 point lead for the home side. Deep into stoppage time Northwich showed their ambition and when they stole a lineout they went on the attack and eventually a Naylor pass found Burma on the wing and he went over for the final score of the afternoon.

Although Northwich were in control for much of the contest they will reflect on how it could all have gone wrong. Martin Poste was pleased with the attitude of the lads and with the performance of Tom Clark whose return will certainly have been welcomed. He also sang the praises of Scott Davidson who played throughout the match with a leg injury sustained in training.
Next week Northwich take a break before traveling to Douglas IOM on 7th December KO 3.00pm

1 Mike Bradshaw 2 Mike Gough 3 Joe Maddocks 4 Chris Heywood 5 Patrick Fray 6 Matt Ensor 7 Chris Dale 8 Phil Williams 9 Matt Poste (Capt) 10 Nick Baldwin 11 Tom Husbands 12 Scott Davidson13 Sam Naylor 14 Shaun Burmah 15 Kyle Clarke 16 Joe Laddle 17 Tom Merrick 18 Tom Clark