Match report 1st "Pass the Port"

Stockport 31 Northwich 21`

With Moss Farm waterlogged the fixture was reversed and the blacks had to travel to Stockport in order to fulfill the fixture. Martin Poste then discovered that Mike Gough was unavailable and that Chris James wouldn’t be able to get to Stockport in time for the kick off. Martin had already found out that Barber would be missing for some time due to a knee injury although on the bright side he was able to welcome Richard Dale back to the fold following a suspension. From the Northwich point of view the match was marred by some inexplicable refereeing decisions that bemused the faithful and visibly frustrated the players.

A bad start lead to the fist of many penalties that were awarded to Stockpot. The home side kicked for a lineout, which they secured. After a strong assault one the line they moved the ball wide and a neat cross kick was gathered by the winger to score an unconverted try. With just 10 minutes gone Stockport scored a second try which followed the previous pattern. This time when the ball was moved an excellent line in mid-field proved unstoppable and with the extras the home side took a 12 point lead. The blacks rallied immediately and a clearing kick was gathered by Richard Dale who made the decisive break. At the breakdown the ball was moved to the right. Play was then switched and Baldwin produced a great chip kick for Richard Dale to collect and score under the posts. Baldwin added the extras and the blacks were off and running. As the match entered the second quarter the home side took an 8 point lead with a penalty awarded when a Northwich player was deemed to be off his feet at the ruck. However it was the visitors that drew next blood. Sam Naylor picked up from a scrum and following a fine run fed Richard Dale who sprinted 60 metres to score under the posts allowing Baldwin to add the extras. With the half drawing to a close another penalty allowed Stockport to take an 18-14 lead into the break.
During the first 20 minutes of the restart Stockport scored two unconverted tries both of scrums close to the visitors try line. This gave them a bonus point and a 14 point cushion. The penalties against the blacks continued to pile up to an almost embarrassing point. The frustration grew as Northwich tried to get into the match. With 8 minutes remaining the blacks mounted pressure on the Stockport line and were eventually rewarded when James scored a try from close range. Baldwin added the extras and it was game on. With the match in added time Stockport were awarded a penalty, subsequent dissent put them within kicking distance and the losing bonus was lost.

This was a bad day for the blacks who lost a match that was clearly influenced by the number of penalties conceded.
Next week Northwich travel to Penrith KO 3.00pm

1 Mike Bradshaw 2 Mark Thompson 3 Jan Cartman 4 Chris Heywood 5 Patrick Fray 6 Matt Ensor 7 Chris Dale 8 Sam Naylor 9 Matt Poste (Capt) 10 Nick Baldwin 11 Tom Husbands 12 Scott Davidson13 Tom Wood 14 Shaun Burma 15 Richard Dale 16 Chris James 17 Kyle Clarke 18 Phil Williams