With the Blacks fixtures cancelled last weekend in the spirit of rugby five players hopped the fence to play for Winnington Park (WP), sadly Liam (Nemo) Marshall sustained a broke jaw and has now decided to hang up his boots. Nemo played throughout Northwich junior section and colts prior to senior rugby, he took a short sabatical before returning to senior rugby at Northwich and took on the 3rd team captaincy before making his 1st team debut. Nemo was a Northwich mini’s superstars coach in 2019 so it might not be long before he trots out once more assisting on a Sunday morning.

This coming Saturday five ex-Northwich coach’s return to Moss Farm, Postie, Dorrington, Querelle, Penny and Townsend are all back, but now in charge of our visitors after taking up their various coaching roles at Winnington Park for the 2024-25 season.

Northwich had no 1st team game last week, whilst WP hosted Widnes losing 17-35, who  also secured an additional bonus point which could be ever so important come the end of season rankings in mid – April. Ultimately, this victory for the 'red-and-blacks' means they have been able to add a bit more distance between themselves and the teams currently beneath them.

WP are 11th in the table, one place above The Blacks. But such is the congested nature of the league that just four points separate the bottom four teams. Winnington arrive at Mossy on a poor run of results, having lost four of their last five matches and have leaked 481 points the highest recorded in the league so far this season.

The Blacks will also be keen to turn around their own fortunes and the team has extra incentive to go for the win against their ex-coaches, we’re more determined than ever to prove a point to ourselves and the league - the lads are fully focussed and eager to kick off the New Year with a strong performance.

Northwich claimed the towns bragging rites in their earlier seasons encounter at Burrows Hill This was an intriguing contest that delivered excitement to the very end. Although it was always pretty both sides showed commitment to the cause and in the tradition of most derbies produced a great match. As all supporters know a derby game can can quickly swing and nothing will be taken as granted by either club, this Saturday 2.15 ko.

It’s the perfect opportunity to blow away the Christmas and New Year cobwebs and support your club. The bar will be open from 12 for supporters, with a guest lunch seating at 1pm – and let’s face it, dry January will never catch on…