WHAT a season it has been for Northwich second XV, who have been crowned champions after winning 17 of their 18 games.

The old, young, experienced and rookies came together to form a development squad, building for the future.

The amount of work, grit and heart that has been put into this season has been amazing!.

The challenge now is to build on the achievements and get themselves ready for next season’s league action.

Team manager Matt Purbrick said: “In September 2022 I stepped down as Northwich RUFC second XV captain to give the best young talent that this club has seen in the past decade the chance they deserved.

“Harry Naylor took over the re-branded Northwich development squad. I took a player/coach role supporting Harry wherever he needed.

“The player part of the player/coach role didn’t last long as after two games I broke my leg meaning I would not play again this season at least. So I became the full time coach of the second XV.

“What followed was a season like no other. We were one of only two teams in the league that were able to fulfill every fixture.

“As a coach my job was made easy. I was surrounded by outstanding players who were receptive to everything offered and every game day they delivered, and became the heartbeat of the whole club.”