Northwich battered again by solid Leigh (From Warrington Guardian)

Northwich battered again by solid Leigh

LEIGH battered Northwich RUFC 60-0 at Leigh on November 13 and although Northwich put in a much-improved display on Saturday, they were unable to match their Lancastrian visitors, losing 3-30.

It was a repeat performance in as much as the Leigh outside centre Paul Wilcock completely dominated the proceedings.

Gifted with real pace and a formidable boot he amassed 20 of his team's points tally.

Northwich were against a strong and bitter wind in the first half and at 15-0 down at half time must have fancied their chances in the second period.

Wilcock opened the scoring with a penalty and converted a Chris Bailey try to give Leigh an early 10-0 advantage.

Northwich defended well but allowed Wilcock to cross in the corner just before the break. The wind blew his conversion off course, but as long as Wilcock remained on the pitch the prospects for Northwich remained ominous.

The second half started disastrously for Northwich when a slick handling movement saw Leigh's Paul Hunt score between the sticks, Wilcock duly converted to give Northwich a 22-point mountain to climb.

Northwich pressure resulted in a Chris Dale penalty but despite incisive bursts from Kolo Fifita and Rob Heath, Dale's three points were all the home team could muster.

Wilcock hit back with a penalty and then sealed his polished performance with yet another try which he just failed to convert.

The home side rallied and, on a number of occasions, pressured the Leigh goal line but were unable to break down their resolute defence.

Northwich are looking for a pool game as next week is a cup round and league activity is suspended.

They take on Wirral the following week and if they prepare properly they could well come away with a result.