NORTHWICH were cheered all the way to Twickenham by hundreds of new - and old - delirious fans at Moss Farm on Saturday.

The excitement was intense as a classic cup tie swung one way and then the other keeping the crowd - over 800 strong counting the 100 contingent from Gloucestershire - on its toes until the final whistle.

But Northwich had passed what proved to be the crisis point five minutes earlier.

The huge Stroud pack were winding themselves up for what would have been their third pushover try of the afternoon and their more youthful opposite numbers had to dig deep in to their reserves of strength and drive them away from the line.

Northwich coaches Mike Penny and Andy Townsend had worked out their game plan, knowing Stroud would be dominant among the forwards.

Firstly, they had to be contained and then move the ball as wide as possible as often as possible and they would eventually tire.

It proved an astute strategy. Founder-members, former players, friends from Winnington Park - including former British Lion Dewi Morris - various VIPs and previously unaligned sports fanatics who know a big occasion when they see one, lined the Moss Farm pitch and there was an explosion of delight at the final whistle.

Northwich had created local sporting history while the play-ers had just booked themselves an appearance at rugby union headquar ters.

Things started badly for Northwich when pocket battleship wing forward Peter Pattenden was carried off after four minutes with an injured ankle. He was replaced by Dean T hompson.

Matters soon perked up and winger Dave Khanyile picked up a loose ball and somehow forced his way over to score on the six minute mark. Gary Bell, who was again in magnificent form, converted from the touchline and Stroud looked stunned.

The lead lasted five minutes and the equalising try came from a series of driving rucks and mauls which Northwich could not repulse. Rob Davey claimed the try and Julian Harry converted.

Northwich pressured and were rewarded a penalty for a late tackle which Bell converted to reclaim the lead and five minutes he, in Wilkinsonesque style, slotted over a well taken drop goal.

Northwich fought bravely to retain the advantage but again it was another series of rucks and mauls which led to a copycat second try for Stroud. This try was claimed by Andy Jarrett and Harry easily goaled.

Stroud were beginning to think it could be their day. With half time approaching coach Penny threw on the deceptively strong South African hooker Vuyol Pasiya to replace stalwart Jed Hill. His fresh legs did the trick and the Northwich pack drove up field and caught Stroud offside. Bell did the business and Northwich turned round 16-14 in front.

Northwich were caught offside after the restart and Harry scored what turned out to be Stroud's last points.

It gave his team the lead, but Northwich the motivation.

Chris James and Dave Farley were added to the fray and as the third quarter ended a Graham Robinson drive set up a ruck on the Stroud tryline from which diminutive scrum half Gaz Davies used every ounce of his energy to force himself over the line, Bell's conversion closing the scoring.

Northwich: Cartman, Hill (Pasiya 35min), Brotherton, Hey-wood, Simpson, (Farley 65min) Pattenden (Thompson 4min, James 65min), Miritana, Robinson, Davies, Bell, Chubb, Campbell, Smith, Khanyile, Bown.