Report by Theo Bowyer.

Port were quickly into their stride and the driving maul was doing its usual damage. A devastating push and Will Conner was credited with the try. 0-7 (try conv).
Confidence was exuding from the away side and Port’s attack was at it’s flowing best. Isaac Deans received the ball in midfield and a quite outstanding line-break, shrugging off four defenders and finished with a superb stretch. Port were playing some of their best rugby of the season. 0-12 (conv. missed).
Northwich were being limited to feeding off scraps as Port were in a miserly mood. The first half was an entertaining game to watch and no more so than an amazing another explosive run from Rory Atwill giving the Northwich defence a real fright. Gasps from the home fans confirmed this.
Then a real crucial moment on the stroke of half time. Constant pressure from Port on the Northwich line but the away side couldn’t create real breathing space at half time. Northwich celebrated keeping Port out like they had won the game. Would this prove critical? For all Port’s dominance the home side were still clinging on.

The second half kicked off and so the heavens opened. Northwich were now the team on the front foot and secured an early score under the posts. 7-12 (try conv). It was a totally different game now and you could sense the momentum had swung on just a few clutch moments.
Port attempted to respond but surprisingly were turned over from their own scrum. This was symptomatic of the second half where nothing was clicking. Port had to stick at it and grind this one out. However, the tide had clearly turned, and Northwich struck the lead on the hour mark with a well worked try. The turnaround was remarkable. 14-12 (try conv).
Then a harsh moment as Rory Austin was pinged for going again after being held, giving Northwich a kickable penalty. Their number 10. duly obliged and the home side added to their tally. 17-12
Port hadn’t mustered a real chance of scoring in the second half and their chance of getting something from the game was fading fast. But once again their character was on show as they pushed going into the final 10 minutes. A line-out deep into Northwich’s 22 and Port were determined to capitalise. After several pick-and-go’s the ball was passed to Rory Austin who straightened his line beautifully for a score. Ben Dearing had a kick to win it but unfortunately just missed to the right of the posts. 17-17. A fair result all round and an apt way to draw the season to a close. Final score Northwich 17 Port 17.
The absolute proverbial game of two halves. Credit to Northwich for a storming second half. Also credit to Port for responding at the death when the game looked to have slipped from their grasp.

Overall, it’s been a fantastic season for Port, establishing themselves in North West One with a sixth place finish and they have set a firm foundation on which to push for promotion next season. Up the Port!