TO merge is to strengthen.

Bring together disparate elements, combine them, and make something stronger.

Can you argue against that?

Northwich would be a bigger dot on a sporting map if the town was represented by one football team, or a single rugby union side, they say.

So why isn’t it then?

I’ve been lucky to report on two brilliant derbies in the past fortnight.

At Burrows Hill, home of Winnington Park, and then Wincham Park last Tuesday I saw a commitment to colours and a desire from players to defend their club’s honour.

Supporters’ attachment to ‘their’ team never ceases to inspire.

To merger apologists, I say the sporting fabric of Northwich is richer for its rivalries and I can’t envisage being persuaded otherwise. Ever.

Red or green, blue or black and gold – we love it don’t we?

More please, because it’s healthy.

A new rivalry was born when Witton took on 1874 Northwich, or at least I hope so.

The result, even if it had gone the underdogs’ way – and 1874 manager Ian Street felt afterwards his side had missed an opportunity – was never going to change any pecking orders. 

Nor should it.

But bragging rights are important to fans.

I stood on the touchline to watch Northwich overpower Winnington in their derby meeting, a game watched by more people than has taken in a football fixture in mid Cheshire this season.

And Albion recorded their biggest gate of the campaign when 1874 Northwich were their guests.

Who won mattered to each and every spectator at both games, I’ll wager.

I’ve spoken to players and officials from both rugby clubs in recent months, and they agree that to have their respective first teams riding high in the same league – being successful – has added an edge when they’ve gone head-to-head.

That much is obvious from the sideline too.

Derbies can, indeed should, do that.

To argue it’s ‘only’ the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup is to miss the point, I think.

Can a contest between teams who are neighbours ever be just another fixture? Maybe (if you’re the loser!).

It will likely take time for the intensity of a traditional rivalry between the two football clubs to be really felt, but I know from talking to people attached to 1874 Northwich that it was a proud moment to see their team play against Witton.

And Albion fans should take that as a compliment, because it is one!