Rugby Union: Blacks are blue after big step-up

Oct 3 2007 by Mike Talbot-Butler, Liverpool Daily Post

AFTER the glories of last season when they went unbeaten, winning the South Lancashire/Cheshire League, Cheshire Vase and EDF Vase at Twickenham, nothing is going right for Northwich.

Their promotion to Powergen North Two West has seen them lose three games on the trot after an opening-day draw with neighbours Winnington Park.

The Blacks’ latest setback was by 16-10 at Lymm, where a try by Rick Smith converted by Gary Bell, who also kicked a penalty, were not enough.

The Blacks foot the table with a negative tally after having two points deducted for fielding unregistered player Rob Jones in their recent defeat at Stockport.

Jones had been de-registered during the summer and never formally signed up again. The club have admitted what they claim is an the oversight and are considering an appeal.

The draw for the first round of the EDF Intermediate Cup sees Northwich favoured with a home tie against North Easterners Gateshead.

Winnington Park were well beaten at Chester in a North Two West game against their county rivals, losing 30-8, their points coming from a Neil Welsh try and penalty from Sam Barton.

This second defeat in four games comes amid a welter of injuries which has upset the planning of coach Mark Warr.

Park face a difficult task away to Old Crossleyans in the first round of the EDF Intermediate Cup.