The Northwich RUFC Column by John Blower

HAVE you ever watched a live rugby match?

Why not give it a try at Northwich Rugby Club this weekend.

Local amateur and semi-professional football costs between £5 and £12 for admission, whereas at your town’s rugby admission is free.

Northwich director of rugby Martin Poste said: “The gap at the top of the division has closed dramatically with only eight points separating the top five teams.

“Saturday’s fixture is between fourth and fifth, and with only one point separating the teams a thrilling encounter is anticipated.”

For the rugby newbie the laws of the game can be a little confusing at first, but the on-field rivalries are both exciting and passionate for all spectators.

From your very first visit you will notice that Northwich Rugby at Moss Farm is an extremely family orientated rugby club, where everyone is made to feel very welcome and the clubhouse is a hive of activity pre and post match.

Arrive early to sample a beer in the clubhouse and enjoy a free pre-game buffet, where both home and visiting supporters mingle, enjoying the banter and craic while discussing their team’s prospects.

The clubhouse has a very traditional feel; around its walls are displays of photographs and memorabilia you would expect from a club with a proud history,

Sky Sports/BT Sport are available throughout the club so that all the top sporting events are screened live free of charge and we take pride in maintaining a fantastic social atmosphere.

All we ask is you consider purchasing a match-day programme, however there is no obligation to.

This weekend Northwich welcome Altrincham Kersal to Moss Farm for a 2.15pm kick-off.

By a twist of fate and fortune with both teams suffering relegations and promotions the last time AK beat Northwich was during 2014-15 in the South Lancs and Cheshire League, AK achieving the double victory over the Blacks that season in which AK were promoted as champions, while Northwich finished third.

Northwich have won the last five meetings between the teams.

Back in September as the match entered the final quarter AK threw everything at Northwich and when they turned over a scrum they went on a charge to score an unconverted try and provide a fitting climax to a good match.

However, a Northwich penalty with just five minutes remaining proved to be the final score giving the Blacks a hard-fought victory.