Cup loss on the road

The early indications pointed to a home side intent on running everything at the visitors so crunching tackles were flying in right across the park. Both teams had opportunities to open the scoring, it was 'North' who opened their account first with a try and conversion despite stern defence from Fleet, notably Thompson, Fyall, Orry and Jackson showing the way. Despite the constant wave of home attack, half backs Phillips and Lomax were looking to work the ball forward, and at times centres Kerr and Fyall found space to run as did full back Mecklenburgh. All too often though the home defence snuffed out most chances that Fleet were creating, in fairness lots of effort from the Green and Golds resulted in little reward. Young hooker Heer departed from play with a neck injury so the pack was shuffled with Gornall slotting into second row and Jackson into the front row. After many a scrum in their own 22 Fleet succumbed to another well worked North try and conversion, making it 14-0 at half time.

Within about a minute of the game resuming the home side registered another try and conversion making it 21-0. The North forwards were now beginning to show their dominance in the set play and more notably the loose, Fleet were constantly making as many tackles as possible but sadly the floodgates opened further, and in quick succession more tries were conceded. With the score at 33-0 and with 15 minutes to play No. 8 Smith left the fray with an injured ankle after again giving a solid performance. Another try was scored by the home side before Jackson and the opposition second row shared an exchange of fists, both players given yellow cards. To conclude the game North wrapped it up with yet another try and conversion, just before Thompson had found time to make the biggest hit of the day. The final whistle sounded, 47-0 to a very well drilled and deserved Northwich outfit.

Despite the heavy loss Fleet never gave up the cause, all of the players kept battling and attempted to create chances. Travelling away with only 16 men was always going to prove difficult.

The players of note in the backs were Fyall and Lomax, equally a busy scrum half Phillips was always looking for action. However for his ball carrying and all round contribution it was 'chopper' Thompson who was voted man of the match by Manager Jefferson and Skipper Foden.

Fleet are back in league action next week when they travel away again to high flying Southport looking to bounce back to winning ways.

Report by Dan Jefferson