The fat lady sings and the curtain comes down on Northwich 1st teams season this weekend, but who was she?
The musical connection is with the familiar operatic role of Brunnhilde in Richard Wagner’s Götterdämmerung, the last of the immensely long, four-opera Ring Cycle. Brunnhilde is usually depicted as a well-upholstered lady who appears for a ten minute solo to conclude proceedings. ‘When the fat lady sings’ is a reasonable answer to the question ‘when will it be over?’, which must have been asked many times during Ring Cycle performances, lasting as they do upwards of 14 hours. Apart from the apparent suitability of Brunnhilde as the original ‘fat lady’, there’s nothing to associate this 20th century phrase with Wagner’s opera.

With the league title secured by Vale of Lune, the opportunity for Northwich to follow them is still realistic, although Wilmslow closed the gap and the destiny of the play-offs moved into their hands. Northwich must now beat Rochdale, preferably collecting a bonus-point along the way, in their final fixture at Moss Farm next weekend. They will start that game, against already-relegated opponents, with a three-point lead over Wilmslow. However their rivals for a play-off place have two matches left; they visit Carlisle before concluding their campaign by hosting Vale on Saturday week.
Over in North One East, Driffield leap-frogged Penrith when they secured a home win against them last week 24-10, Driffield look favourites for the play-off spot, and home advantage due to a higher points recorded, over their North One West counterparts.

21st April 1930 did you know. Wales were forced to field a second XV for their Championship match with France as seven of their players were already on board ship for New Zealand with the Lions touring side. Despite that, Wales won a rough match, 11-0 in front of 50,000 spectators with as many locked outside. Had France won, they would have secured their first Championship title; as it was, the result handed the crown to England.

Northwich host Rochdale on “Chairman’s Day” and will be hoping the premier pitch is playable 3pm KO. A large crowd is expected for the final game of the season, with sponsors and ex-players mingling with the punctilious supporters and invited alakadoo’s from Northwich & Rochdale who have a consistent 20+ supporting cast.

Rochdale’s relegation to level 7 was confirmed 24th March with a 92-7 loss to Champions VoL Rochdale have only won a total 3 games all season, but they were secretly hoping to pinch a double over VoL who they defeated 9-3 in their previous meeting in February.

Last week Warrington eventually overwhelmed Rochdale, scoring eight tries in the process, but it took them fifty minutes before they managed to take a commanding lead. The Rochdale defence was rock-like, but the relentless tackling finally took its toll. However, Rochdale soon demonstrated that, although already doomed to relegation this season, they are still a good side and they hit back when strong pressure and some admirable off-loading brought them some deserved scores. Final result Rochdale 19-46 Warrington.

In the opening fixture of the season Northwich arrived at Moorgate Avenue without having all their full squad available. Nevertheless, it was a strong side that took to the field. It was a breathtaking start to the match with spectators still arriving the blacks received the kick off and went on the offensive. The ball was moved wide and Naylor passed inside to Underhill who, in turn released Skinkis, who went on a terrific run for the line. Baldwin added the extras and the visitors were 7 points to the good in less than a minute. Although 17-14 to Rochdale at half-time, Northwich went on to win the match 17-33.

Rochdale admit they need to assess what has been missing and attempt to rectify those points for a year of level 7 rugby next season. It won’t be easy to step back up a level but Rochdale do see themselves as a level 6 club. Let’s hope Northwich do not allow them to find their old form shown in February.

Northwich 2 journey to Sedgley Park both teams in the relegation zone. Northwich started their seasons campaign at home v Sedgley Park in September when they were looking forward to making a name for themselves in their new league, however they went down 10-29. Skipper Anthony Keller scorer of all the Blacks points said “It isn’t the start to the season that Northwich had hoped for but bad starts do not mean bad finishes”. Err ! Come on boys let’s make the last 2 games 2 WINS.

Northwich 3 travel to promoted Lymm 4. A new look Northwich side suffered defeat in the first game of the season. Northwich conceded two tries in quick succession losing 18-44 to Lymm. Special mention went to the three lads from last seasons colts who played in this game Billy Cole, Oli Sorenson and Matt Watson, who all stood out for their work rate and commitment. Over the last few weeks a number of this years Colts have joined the 3s, if they can keep improving & training over the summer months they will all prove assets to the club in the future.

Enjoy your weekends Rugby home or away