Northwich RUFC host annual Presidents Day

Ken Jones and Steve Wood were both honoured with life membership for their services to the Moss Farm club and were presented with embroidered caps in recognition by newly-elected Mid-Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper.

The Labour MP was presented with a club tie at the pre-match presentation and was also introduced to the Northwich team prior to their clash with Sandbach.

Labour MP Andrew Cooper meets the Northwich team before their game against Sandbach (Image: Contributed)

Wood – the club’s current press officer and player administration manager – was recognised for the 50 years of service he had given to the club, as was Jones, who has spent spells as both a player and chairman of the club.

When the on-field action did get underway, however, Northwich were beaten 28-3 by their Cheshire neighbours in a game that saw all of the points scored in the second half.

Both sides enjoyed spells of pressure in the opening period, with Blacks forced onto the back foot in the first quarter before responding well to ask questions in the second, but both defences remained firm.

The deadlock remained unbroken until 15 minutes after half time, when Sandbach scored a well-worked try followed by another in the corner following a defensive lapse.

Then, Northwich spurned the opportunity of a kickable penalty to hit back, opting instead for a quick tap but the pass to the wing was intercepted, gifting Sandbach a third try.

With the score at 17-0, Northwich did take their next chance to trouble the scorers as Harry Naylor slotted over a penalty, but that was to be as good as it got for the hosts.

Two kicked penalties moved Sandbach out of reach and when Blacks were reduced to 14 men in the dying embers of the game, the visitors took advantage with a fourth try to leave with a bonus point.

Blacks’ next game sees them travel to Altrincham Kersal on Saturday.