FULL-BACK Dave Lilley and flanker Andy Stanley scored a try apiece as Northwich 2nds notched a fine 18-11 win against Holmes Chapel's first team on Saturday.

In spite of atrocious conditions and the World Cup semi-final between Australia and South Africa being screened live on TV, the game attracted quite a few spectators.

They saw Holmes Chapel use the strong wind early on to kick a penalty before young Northwich fly-half Joe Wood levelled the scores with a casually chipped penalty from 35 metres out.

Minutes later, Dave Lilley cut through the Holmes Chapel defence to score under the posts, Wood's conversion giving Northwich a 10-3 lead.

Holmes Chapel reduced the deficit with their second penalty, and then after the interval they scored a bizarre try to take the lead.

Northwich's players were rooted to the spot, expecting a penalty to be given in the visitors' half. Instead the ball was booted upfield and when Wood took the ball into touch near his own try line, Holmes Chapel took a quick lineout to score.

That was the last time that the Northwich line was threatened, though, as they pressed forward to regain the lead.

Replacement hooker Neil Carnie was inspirational in the loose, gaining valuable ground every time he got the ball.

After a long period of pressure, Northwich went ahead when flanker Stanley picked up off the back of a scrum to score.

Wood missed the conversion but kicked another penalty near the end as the 2nds maintained their 100% record.

NORTHWICH 1sts' scheduled friendly against Warrington was cancelled. The 3rds' game was also cancelled, when Burnage cried off on Saturday morning.

NORTHWICH under-17s had an impressive 19-10 win at home to Preston Grasshoppers on Sunday, but the under-15s lost 15-0 at Macclesfield and the under-13s lost 34-19 at Preston.

THIS Saturday, Northwich 1sts have no fixture scheduled but they are hoping to arrange a friendly. The 2nds are away at Sandbach and the 3rds are at home to Sandbach. Kick-offs are scheduled for 2.30pm, although they may be brought forward because of the World Cup final.

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