Northwich 14 Stockport 5
AT LAST! After a season of occasional highs and frequent lows Northwich scaled the heights at Moss Farm on Saturday.
Relegation fighters beat promotion contenders and Northwich are virtually safe. The only real threat is from the RFU themselves.
Should they opt for three down in a possible revamp then Northwich could still make a quick return to the South Lancs and Cheshire League.
GOLDEN START: They were first off the blocks and winger Stacey Hosking produced a dream start when he dived over in the bottom right hand corner after only five minutes of play.
He then composed himself to convert from the touch line.
Hosking then came close to stretching the lead when a long range penalty just fell short. The Blacks kept up the momentum and a powerful Rick Smith break and off load created the space for Jonathan Simpson to score under the posts.
Hosking converted to produce a first quarter 14-0 lead.
Stockport dusted themselves off and in 35 minutes winger Greg Newton scored a deserved try.
The second half was a war of attrition with each side giving as good as they got.
Both teams defended resolutely but it was the hosts who looked the more dangerous and flanker Pete Pattenden was unlucky not to be awarded a push over try.
Northwich host Wilmslow in the semi final of the Cheshire Vase KO 2.30pm on Saturday.
Wilmslow have already realised promotion and will provide a real test for what will be a slightly under- strength Northwich. Chris James is in Australia and Jan Cartman is also unavailable.
The 2nd XV beat Altrincham Kersal 36-3 and the 3rds defeated Whitchurch at home 20-3.
Under 13s: Northwich beat Flint 36-0 (Tom Price 4, Ben Colyer 2, Sufyen Buras, Tom Phillips, Camweon Dilworth, Josh Foster tries; Tom Sparkes 3 cons).
Northwich juniors are staging a car wash at Moss Farm on Saturday (1-4pm) to raise funds for their summer tours.
