Winnington Park, they did it again

Another victory on Saturday, their 13th in as many matches in league and cup this season, has set Matt Farr’s men on a course to reach the next round of the RFU Senior Vase.

A previous meeting with Liverpool Collegiate last month had been close, with the Northwich outfit edging a close encounter 36-33 after a late rally by their opponents.

There was no repeat when the rivals clashed a second time in a Northern Division Pool One fixture on Saturday, when Park cruised to a comfortable 55-17 success.

They still have work to do, and a trip to Whitehaven – beaten 34-29 by Liverpool in their opener – awaits in February.

Six in a row: 1874 Northwich are in the groove

No matter the opponent, 1874 Northwich keep on winning.

A 5-1 hammering of Tow Law Town in the FA Vase on Tuesday was followed by a more prosaic performance on their return to duty in the North West Counties League on Saturday.

Scott McGowan’s goal, his 17th of the campaign, was enough to separate his side from West Didsbury & Chorlton at St Luke’s Barton Stadium.

His side have now won their past six matches in all competitions, a sequence they hope to continue when they host lower-ranked Abbey Hulton United in the Macron Cup Second Round South tomorrow night.

It is a warm-up for a run of Premier Division fixtures that pits them against five of the top-six teams.

Northwich Guardian:

Scott McGowan takes a tumble as he tries to escape the attention of West Didsbury & Chorlton's Anthony Potts during 1874 Northwich's 1-0 win. Picture: Ian Dutton

Runners step on to international stage

A quartet of Vale Royal Athletics Club members were picked to represent England at the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International in Derry on Saturday.

Chairman Stuart Doyle was fourth in the men’s over 45s age-group category, and third counter for a victorious team led by race-winner Paul Green.

Sarah Murphy contributed to a collective success too, matching the club chairman’s feat by crossing the line fourth in the women’s over 40s class.

She was also third England counter.

Liz Renondeau contested the women’s over 35s race, ranking eighth.

Andrea Hilldrup travelled as a reserve for the same category and took second spot in open ladies race, ran over 6km, behind compatriot Mary James.

Brilliant Beth wins prestigious prize

Northwich Rowing Club members reflected on another successful year at their prize ceremony on Sunday.

The most prestigious award, the George Musker Trophy for outstanding achievement, was reserved for Beth Willford-Dutton.

She was selected to represent Great Britain at the Junior International Regatta in Munich in May, and was a finalist on her debut at the European Junior Championships in a women’s double with Lucy Edmunds (York City Rowing Club).

The 18-year-old completed a stunning summer by making a second appearance at the Coupe de la Jeunesse in July, stroking a women’s quad scull to two A finals in Belgium.

Currently studying a degreee at Oxford Brookes University, she will receive the trophy next month.

Northwich Guardian:

Beth Willford-Dutton's performances on the water for Great Britain earlier this year earned for her the George Musker Trophy during Northwich Rowing Club's annual awards ceremony on Sunday

Resurgent Winnington Park continue climb

Relegated from the North Men’s League at the end of last season, Winnington Park feared the worst when they started this one with back-to-back defeats.

However an improving side have not lost since, extending an unbeaten run to six matches following a 3-0 victory against Colwyn Bay at Sir John Deane’s College.

The North Walian outfit were top of the form table before arriving in Northwich, but were sent packing by Joe Booth’s double and a goal from Peter Evans.

Park have shut out their opponents in three of the past four games, and travel to third-placed Didsbury Northern seconds next weekend with confidence restored.

A win then would propel them above their hosts in North West League Division One.