Rugby Union: Reid eyes more of same

Oct 24 2007 by Mike Talbot-Butler, Liverpool Daily Post

WINNERS of the EDF Energy Vase last May, Northwich made a bright debut in the Intermediate Trophy when they beat Gateshead 28-12 at Moss Farm.

The Blacks showed up well against strong opponents and without the injured Gary Bell found a reliable stand-in place-kicker in Bobby Clarke, who kicked four vital penalties.

Coach Paul Reid’s next priority must be to improve his squad’s form in North Division Two West, which remained disappointing with a 14-12 defeat at Sandbach.

Winnington Park have explained their decision to withdraw from the Cheshire Cup and give hosts Birkenhead Park a quarter-final bye.

Says chairman Richard Elliott: “We felt it was the right decision. We have an unprecedented crop of injuries while several others were not available.”

Park were knocked out by Old Crossleyans in the first round of the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup 19-7. Harry Stubbs scored a fine try improved by Ben Elliott to give Park a 7-0 interval lead, but the forwards were later overrun.