One thing leads to another

While it is undeniably true that next week is a different game with its own dynamic, it is fair to say Saints’ head coach Andy McKinney has more to ponder.

Despite being a newly-promoted side, and needing time to adjust to North One West again after five years away, they have set their sights high.

Northwich, third in each of the past two seasons in North One West, gave them a glimpse of the standard required.

“This game means nothing,” said one of the Anselmians players during a huddle behind the posts when James Underhill prepared to kick a conversion.

While an attempt to make his teammates feel better, both camps know next week is when the real business starts.

New faces up front for Northwich

None of Blacks’ front-row for this game were on the field for their league opener against Rochdale a year ago.

That day Brad Bates and Mark Thompson propped either side of Kyle Lindsay, and Northwich won.

The contrast couldn’t have been starker to see Joe Maddocks, Conor Lapniewski and new recruit Adam Bennett occupy those positions on Saturday.

Ben Ridgway was a capable relief for Bennett when he came off with a shoulder complaint too.

They not only make Northwich heavier, and with it much more equipped to hold their own while scrummaging, but they give Martin Poste options behind.

He will likely experiment further before finding the best combination for the second row and at flanker, but he won’t feel opting for mobility is as much of a risk.

Responding to questions when asked

Anselmians had a spell shortly after the interval when they assumed control for a brief period, and for the first time played at a tempo they wanted.

It didn’t last, but they did make their hosts look less assured.

James Reilly’s absence, following his transfer to Sandbach, has deprived Blacks of a calming influence in those moments.

Matthew Poste is a leader in every sense of the word, and he’ll need others to step up and take wind from opponents’ sails like Reilly did.

The promotion of Joel Barber to vice-captain is an act of faith from Martin Poste that he can take on responsibility and do a similar job.

He will need time though.

In praise of Tom Clark

His selection, and subsequent cameo as a substitute, was a highlight for those gathered at Moss Farm to watch.

Fans of every club love to see a youngster with promise step up to the first-team, and Martin Poste has made no secret of his admiration for the teenage flanker.

An impressive hit to take down an Anselmians ball-carrier was greeted with delight, but he showed too with one galloping run forward that he is not afraid to take responsibility and be aggressive in possession.

There was time on the field too for Michael Gough and Josh Wilkinson, while Tom Husband impressed in a friendly last week against Crewe and Nantwich.

They will get more chances, and that’s important – talented colts and juniors need to feel they will be called upon if they have the ability.

The more things change…

Martin Poste is attempting to evolve this Northwich side, and the nature of his summer recruitment is an indication of how, into one capable of taking the next step.

But his backs division remains untouched, and undiminished without Reilly, and the demonstrated again why.

Joel Barber and Richard Dale both got their names on the score-sheet, while wing Bud Skinkis did too, and they gave glimpses of their scintillating best.

It was enough to put Blacks out of their guests’ reach.

Will Du Randt was pretty much flawless too, and everything the director of rugby tweaks or adjusts elsewhere is to ensure they have a stage on which to perform.