North 2 West, 1st March 2008

Broughton Park 19 v 14 Northwich

Northwich are the 3rd consecutive team that Broughton Park have played who are threatened with relegation. As with Vale of Lune two weeks ago Northwich proved a stern test.

A defeat would put Northwich in the relegation places and a win for 'Park would keep the pressure on the two leaders. A slip up by the top two would give 'Park an outside chance of a Promotion play-off place.

'Park played into a strong wind in the first half so any mistakes in handling would give Northwich easy chances to clear their lines.

For the first ten minutes 'Park retained the ball and pressed Northwich back into their own half. Northwich were caught offside in front of the posts for Ronan O'Brien to make the score 3 - 0 into the strong wind.

On 20 minutes 'Park had a penalty which they chose to tap for an arranged move, unfortunately the move failed abysmally and 'Park knocked on to give Northwich a scrum, which they used to pressure 'Park into giving away a long range penalty, but with the wind was well within range and the Northwich kicker brought the scores level at 3 - 3.

The 'Park back line was straying offside and they were caught again to give another kickable penalty which took Northwich into a 3 - 6 lead after 26 minutes.

Ten minutes before half-time, winger Adam Knight made a good break down the left wing only to be caught near the line, but Northwich knocked on. From the scrummage No.8 John Clifford picked up at the base of the scrum, to feed scrum-half Steve Elliot, who set the backs in motion for the ball to go to Adam Knight, this time on the right wing, where he scored in the corner. Ronan O'Brien put over a magnificent conversion from wide out against the wind. 10 - 6.

From a 'Park mistake Northwich kicked ahead with the wind and 'Park had to defend many driven mauls but unfortunately Northwich managed to drive over for an unconverted try.

Half-time score 10 - 14.

With the wind 5 minutes into the 2nd half 'Park had reduced the deficit with another Ronan O'Brien penalty to bring the scores to 13 - 14.

'Park were camped in the Northwich half but were unable to break down the Northwich defence but they did get another penalty which Ronan O'Brien put over from wide out to make the scores 16 - 14.

Northwich were being well contained by 'Park who rarely allowed them out of their own half but it was worrying that 'Park could not break down the Northwich defence. Maybe a simpler plan of handling might have brought results. 'Park seemed to have numerous moves which were failing because of handling errors. It was cold and very windy so perhaps there was some excuse?

Ronan O'Brien was presented with another penalty opportunity to make the final score 19 - 14.

Next week 'Park take on another relegation candidate in Winnington Park. 'Park don't seem to relish these games against relegation candidates.