Now you could easily blame the travelling but a combination of new selections, relaxed attitude and players out of position all played a part in what was a slow start.

With temperatures upwards of 24 degrees Billingham had the majority of possession in the first half but a dropped ball, a forward pass and refereeing decisions stopped Billingham from adding points to the board.

However it was the returning Nathan Myers that got the first points following a break away from Kieran Clark, a deft offload allowed Myers to carry over two defenders to score. Jobe Roxby with the extras.

Northwich showed promise. They were niggly
around the ruck area a late shot here and there.... why not? It worked. It disrupted Billinghams flow. Unfortunately for Northwich it was one too many late hits from the referee's point of view, 2 yellow cards later....

With only 13 men on the pitch it was Northwich that managed to get the next points on the board. Holding on was the call.. A swift point to the posts from the Northwich skipper. 3 points kicked.

Billingham dominated the scrum area with Dixon and Clark continually driving back a struggling pack.

And it was from a forward moving scrum that captain Peter Evans was able to capitalise on weak defense stepping his way to the line for his first score of the season. Jobe again with the extras.

Half time was called. A cry off "get in ere" I was assured the half time team talk was astute however I have my reservations.

As the second half started Billingham looked different. They smelt blood. They were angry...

Leading the charge was Peter Evans again. Solid platform was built following the new '50/20'. The forwards drove forward, quick ball out saw Peter cross the whitewash. Jobe with the extras.

Billingham started playing but with purpose. John Padley was making yards, runners off shoulders, Pete Youll crashing the ball up taking 2 defenders each time. It was following a Youll run that Myers notched his 2nd of the season from a short distance crashing over the line. There was no wasting time. Jobe kicked the extras, Billingham waited for the kick off.

After a questionable timed hit on Adam Gardner and with no back replacement, Anth Rumis came on the pitch. Much to his relief it was Ben Walton that was pulled from the scrum to go on the wing... his dream had come true... his dream turned to reality after a ripped ball saw it land in the hands of Alfie Lawson. A 20 yard pass found Hopley hitting the line, a draw of the last man saw Ben Walton scamper in his giraffe like way 60 metres to score. Jobe with the extras.

Momentum was building nicely. Billingham emptied the bench.

Lewis Roxby and Joe Spoors came on. Both making immediate impacts. 2 big Carrie's from both led to the next try which Martin Hopley touch down in the corner. Jobe missing the resulting kick.

Billingham showed no sign of slowing down. Multiple scrums where Spoors showed his technical ability saw Billingham march up the pitch.

Northwich continually tried to get out of their 22 to no avail.

A scrum to Northwich on the 5 metre following a forward pass. Again Billingham bullied the scrum. Ever the menace Padley seized on the spilt ball, a hand off later and scoring. Jobe nudged the extras.

2 minutes was called by the ref. Billingham came back at Northwich again. Whinn with a solid take, Rumis with a carry, Youll up the middle. Billingham had all the momentum. The play reached up to the 5 metre line. Foulds denied from a pick and go following stern defence. However Spoors wasnt to be outdone. With a little help fro. Front row partner Spoors barrelled his way over. Jobe with the extras.

Final whistle went.

In all honesty. It wasnt great. It was a win. We had returning players and a debut.

It was never going to be easy and credit to Northwich. They never gave up!

We sit 2nd in the table. October is a busy month. A difficult month. All support is needed!!!

#OSIOS