Can Witton close gap to promotion play-offs places?

AFTER back-to-back draws, Witton Albion’s target is a return to winning ways when Ossett Town arrive in Wincham on Saturday.

Carl Macauley’s men start the contest placed 12th in Division One North, seven points adrift of Burscough in fifth position.

Their home form has improved; they are unbeaten now in front of their own supporters in the past five matches.

Lowly Ossett arrive in Northwich on a run of seven successive league defeats, during which they have conceded 26 goals.

The hosts can call again on front man Callum Hassan after a ban, but midfielder Billy Reeves plays for the last time before the end of a temporary stay from Port Vale.

Chekaine Steele travelled in the opposite direction on loan, and could make his debut.

The same applies for defender Toby Mullarkey, who arrives from Crewe on similar terms.

Albion were 5-0 winners during the return game in October.

Northwich Guardian:

Jamie Matthews in action during Witton Albion's 2-0 success against Radcliffe Borough at Wincham Park last month.

 

Sapphires set sights on a higher position

NORTHWICH Sapphires return to action in the Cheshire Elite League on Saturday, when they hope to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

They defeated Ladyhawks 50-37 a fortnight ago, so start this weekend’s head-to-head with Cheshire Blue ranked eighth in the table.

Their opponents arrive at Sir John Deane’s College without a win in either of their past two games; a 53-29 reverse against Chester Blue and a draw with Chester Maroon.

Play gets underway at midday.

Northwich Guardian:

Centre Jess Taylor was in fine form for Northwich Sapphires when they beat Ladyhawks last time out in the Cheshire Elite League. Picture: PAUL HEAPS

 

Northwich hope to make first step towards Twickenham

RUGBY players at Northwich know the way to Twickenham; they won there in the RFU Senior Vase final in 2007.

That is the prize on offer in the RFU Intermediate Cup, a competition in which Blacks make their season bow at Moss Farm on Saturday.

A familiar foe – Liverpool St Helens – provide the opposition.

Martin Poste’s men were victors against the St Helens-based side a fortnight ago, part of an 11-match winning run in South Lancs/Cheshire Division One that has taken them to the table’s summit.

Should they prevail again, then a head-to-head with St Benedict’s – currently top of the North Lancs/Cumbria section – will decide who progresses as pool winner.

“Our priority is to be promoted,” said Poste this week.

“But I don’t think any club can be dismissive of an opportunity to get to Twickenham – particularly if you’re a player.

“We’ll consider carefully how we’ll approach it on Saturday.”

Northwich Guardian:

Chris Heywood resists a tackle during Northwich's 40-7 success at home to Liverpool St Helens last month. The teams meet again this weekend. Picture: PAUL HEAPS

 

Park’s Ladies can land top-three spot

WINNINGTON Park Ladies’ form on the pitch has improved after losing only one of their past five Cheshire League matches.

They can rise to third in Division One on Saturday if they completed a double over current occupants Alderley Edge seconds, who visit Moss Farm, push back 12.30pm.

The Northwich outfit ran out 6-1 victors on the season’s opening afternoon back in September.

They won last season’s corresponding fixture by the same score.

A surprise 7-3 reverse at struggling Bowdon fourths last Sunday, in a rearranged fixture, followed an excellent 3-3 draw with promotion-chasing Triton the previous day.

Jaz Barlow’s double was a highlight.

Northwich Guardian:

Jasmine Barlow, left, was on target for Winnington Park Ladies in a 3-3 draw with their Triton counterparts last weekend (File picture)

 

Swimmers hope to sign off in style at county championships

NORTHWICH Centurions conclude their latest campaign at the Cheshire County Championships in Macclesfield this weekend.

They have already enjoyed a more successful time in 2016 than at last year’s edition.

Dan Skae narrowly missed out on a medal after finishing fourth in the under 13s boys’ 50m backstroke final after recording a regional qualifying time in the heats.

He reached two other finals, finishing fifth in the 100m backstroke and eighth in the 50m freestyle.

Teammate Josh Williams was eighth in the under 14s boys’ 100m breaststroke final too.

They are both scheduled to race again in the next 48 hours.

Most of the other Centurions who have been in action have set personal bests.