Birchfield 32

Northwich 10

South Lancs/Cheshire One

Saturday, March 17

A STRENGTHENED Northwich side travelled to Widnes outfit Birchfield on

Saturday full of hopes that they could secure a position in the same league next

season.

It would have helped if the whole team could have arrived together on time, but the late arrival of three or four key players meant that Northwich were less than professional in their pre-match preparation.

This was evident in the first minute when they failed to deal with a high ball and before they knew it they were watching a conversion from a soft try sail between the sticks.

Northwich responded well and following a scrum 10 metres out, Dave Briggs crashed over for a deserved try. Campbell converted to make it 7-7 and both full backs exchanged penalties before the interval.

A betting man at this stage, with Northwich having the slope and a biting wind behind them, would have fancied an away victory, but it was the Widnesians who upped the pace and gave the visitors a lesson in technique and aggression.

Northwich might have a good squad, but they have to learn that if they want to perform well in this league, they must be fitter and more organised.

According to chairman Sam Naylor, this will come if players attend the sessions conducted by coach Andy Manicom.

"As chairman, I constantly ask myself the question, why bother paying for a good, qualified coach when the players don't turn up for his sessions,." said Naylor.

Northwich now find themselves once again fighting to avoid the relegation zone, needing to win one of their last two league fixtures.

Their best chance is in a fortnight, at home to St Edwards Old Boys. If they blow that it may be down to the wire with a difficult last game at Wigan on April 14.

This Saturday is a non-league affair against Moore, 1sts and 3rds away, 2nds at

home, kick-offs 3pm.

On Saturday, the 2nds lost 25-13 at home to Birchfield while the 3rds won 30-10 at Congleton.