On a wet blustry Saturday afternoon Northwich lost a player to A+E in the warm up for what looked like a nasty ankle injury, we wish him well for a speedy recovery.
The game kicked off with Saints playing into a strong breeze, the home team knew this was one that had to be won if Saints are going to survive at level 5 . On the attack from the kickoff Saints spent the first 4 minutes of the game camped in the oppositions 22, Nortwhich were deemed to have strayed offside whilst scrambling in defence, Dai wasted no time pointing at the posts and Saints lead 3-0. The heavier Saints pack began to wrestle control in the tight and provided good ball for the Saints back division. On 17 mins Saints coughed up a ball in midfield whilst attempting to execute a move, the Northwich centre didn’t need an invitation and galloped over from the halfway line 3-7. Saints, in determined mood continued to work hard against the elements and on the half hour mark following a period of sustained pressure Fred Clarke drove over from close range to touch down 8-7 HT.

With the elements in their favour Saints took firm control of the game with most of the second half spent in the Northwich half. Frustratingly the home side couldn’t capitalize on all of their territory and possession, but respect must be paid to the Northwich defence which did appear to be camping on the off side line a bit. On the hour after three 5 meter scrums which were opted for in lieu of 3 easy points , the Saints pack drove over and skipper Will Grabe touched down at 8 , Dai took the extras and Saints lead 15-7. Sadly soon after, the game was stopped for a serious injury to Jack Sanders Saints open side. A neck injury which later proved to be a fracture to his C6 vertebrae the decision was taken not to move him. Jack spent 2 hours on the pitch in the cold wet conditions waiting for an Ambulance, many thanks to the kind people who stayed with Jack attempting to keep him as warm and comfortable as possible.

So with the light fading quickly the flags were moved to the 2nd team pitch and the game resumed for the last 15 minutes . Credit to the Ground staff for preparing 2 playable surfaces on the day in trying conditions. Saints were pushing for more in the last 10 minutes and opted to kick a penalty on 77 minutes to take away the oppositions chance of securing a losing bonus point to take the game to 18-7 in Saints favour. Special mention to debutant Harrison Crowe who slotted seamlessly into the back row, the Anselmians faithful look forward to watching his development along with the eagerly awaited return of our player Coach next week. The win lifts Saints 2 places in the table in their battle to remain at this level .Next week Saints travel to bottom of the table Sandbach and will be looking to build further on this performance.
Our thoughts and best wishes go to Jack Sanders at this difficult time and pray he makes a full recovery . Best wishes also to the Northwich player who went to hospital before KO .

Match report; Jamie Kimpton
Photos; Degsy Salisbury Snr