Victory in the final seconds of overtime

The Blacks go marching on

Northwich 28 Manchester 26

Well, Northwich rolled a double six, dipped into the Community Chest, took a chance and got out of jail. Without eight 1st XV regulars all expectations had realistically gone. However, the doubters would be proved wrong as the blacks took all the glory from this match.

From the outset it was Manchester that led the way forcing the blacks on the back foot. On the 13th minute they were rewarded with the opening score. From a scrum the visitors applied pressure and after a series of carries their influential fly half produced a cross-kick that was well taken for the first try. The extras went begging but the visitors account had been opened. Manchester continued to dominate until the 29th minute, when from a lineout the blacks applied pressure and Baldwin produced a cross-kick for du Randt to gather and score. Baldwin converted an the blacks took the lead against the run of play. Three minutes later Northwich were awarded a penalty in mid-field. A quick tap and some smart work allowed Barber to go through a gap to score a converted try. Despite the lead Manchester continued to assert themselves and were rewarded with two converted tries in stoppage time. This gave the visitors a half time lead of 19-14 that was worthy of their efforts.
The second half began with the blacks taking the initiative. Within 10 minutes of the restart a sustained attack produced an attacking scrum. With the ball secured a series of phases allowed the ball to be moved to Husbands who finished of a fine move. Following an arm wrestle the blacks suffered a body blow as the match drew to a close. A loose ball was pounced on by Manchester and there was a charge for the line, the subsequent cover tackle was deemed high and a penalty try was awarded leaving the faithful with little hope. However, this Northwich team does not know when to lie down. With the match deep in stoppage time the blacks threw the kitchen sink at Manchester. Phase after phase and penalty after penalty new boy Scott Davidson saw a gap and dove for the line to score a stoppage time try. Baldwin added the extras and the blacks secured an unexpected bonus point victory.
Martin Poste was s proud of all the players he could not contain himself. The lads who had stepped up from the 2nd XV proved the club has real strength in depth.

Next week Northwich take a break before they travel to Firwood Waterloo the following week KO 2.15pm

1 Adam Bennett 2 Chris James 3 Chris Bradshaw 4 Chris Heywood 5 Tom Clark 6 Mike Gough 7 Martin Balshaw 8 Chris Dale 9 Matt Poste (Capt) 10 Nick Baldwin 11 Will du Randt12 Richard Dale13 Scott Davidson 14 Tom husbands 15 Joel Barber 16 Joe Laddle 17 Patrick Fray18 James Wood