Though pre-season often stands as a byword for new beginnings, fresh starts and positive mindsets, the expectations of rejuvenation often expose the reality of stagnation and the dread of unpreparedness. At Northwich this summer, that feared scenario could not be further from the case. Just a couple of weeks after finishing the season and a thumping defeat at home against Preston Grasshoppers, the gears behind the scenes began to click.

With the RFU’s league reorganisation taking effect this season, Northwich are again competing at National Level 5. By way of background, the 4 higher levels, including the fully professional Premiership, comprise 81 teams.
Level 5 comprises 6 regional leagues of 12 teams each – so 72 in total.
Hence, effectively, Level 5 constitutes the teams ranked 81 to 153 in the country.

The return of Martin Poste whet the appetite for the barrage of signings that have been announced with regularity across the course of the summer. Charlie Bancroft was unveiled as the first fresh face of the new campaign, a youthful recruit providing depth to the existing squad while also challenging the established occupants of their positions, and they have been rolling through the door since.

The Blacks have tied down a number of key players, keeping a steady core within an evolving team. Chris Heywood, Richard Dale and Tom Clarke to name but a few will anchor the recent recruits in the no-nonsense, team ethic of the club.

New arrivals, have been steadily arriving from mid-July to late August. The sum of this list is a comprehensive total, a group of players who bolster the rugby pedigree especially strengthening a strong midfield, with players able to perform a variety of disciplines across the centre of the park,

On the pitch, Northwich have met with a mix of opponents, ranging from a hardened Welsh league Ruthin, then visiting Anselmians in the first round Cheshire Cup fixture, which has also made its welcome way into the pre-season calendar.

Postie is keen to stress that it is a building process and once again they face some very tough opposition in the season ahead.

The Blacks kick off their league campaign having had a major reshuffle of their squad and it will be a great opportunity for them to make a statement with some key stalwarts such as Joel Barber and the experienced Tom White leading the way.

“We have to keep pushing this season and our two pre-season games gave opportunity in the endeavour to do that.” - Postie

Each challenge has enlightened the thinking of the players and staff in tackling the upcoming hurdles of the level 5, Regional 1 North West League season which begins this Saturday 3rd September with the visit of Lymm RFU to Moss Farm 3pm KO.