The Cheshire side weren’t afraid to throw the ball around and were rewarded with an early score. 0-7 (try conv). This early concession could have unsettled Port, however they showed composure and steadied the ship well during the next few phases.

It would have been easy after the last few results to panic but there was real solidarity, clear thinking and much better tackling which allowed Port a stable platform from which to play the style of rugby we’ve become accustomed to. With this stronger base established Ewan Holt nudged two penalties over to close the gap to a single point. 6-7.

Port capitalised on some loose Northwich passing and some clinical lines from the back’s allowed Alex Roebuck to claim a fantastic score. A memorable moment for the former senior colt’s flyer. 11-7 (missed conv). With a reshuffle of positions and Jack Martin moved to centre the backs had a togetherness which was evident throughout.

Port were controlling the set pieces too and their scrum was phenomenal all game. This dominance was forcing Northwich into conceding ground and penalties. Approaching half time and Port had the chance to put the boot in with a line out deep into the oppositions 22. Once again, they secured ball and a forward drive from a galvanised pack resulted in a well earned try. 16-7 (missed conv).

A special mention to Si Green who had his best game of the season. For a player who sets high standards, his dancing feet and shimmy’s were a joy to witness. A Strictly call up for next season must be on the cards! Sam Graham was another player to note, who showed his typical combative style and claimed turn over ball on several occasions.

The second half kicked off and Port were comfortable. This felt like a familiar pattern from last season… doing the basics well, going through the phases and being ferocious in the tackle. The only thing Port had to worry about was Northwich’s Barbarian like approach of keeping the ball alive and running from anywhere on the pitch. Port pounced on this over ambitious approach and secured possession for a simple short pass and drive for captain Callum Hibbs to go in under the sticks. 23-7 (try conv). Port continued to go through the phases and now firmly in the ascendency, started to shut the game down. This was clever tactically and thus didn't give Northwich any rhythm or opportunity to get back into the game.

Having kept Norwhich shut out for almost an hour they finally got the scoreboard moving again. Some swift hands and an easy score for the lads from Moss Lane. 23-14 (try conv). The only casualty was an injury to Tom Eaton which forced him off, to be replaced by James Singleton who went to scrum half and Rory Austin to centre.

There was still time for Will Connor to roll over, some quick thinking from a line out and a well earned try. 28-14 (missed conv). The try bonus point was secured. Final score 28-14.

A thoroughly professional display all round. Once Port hit the front there was never a
moment of doubt. Port face Rossendale away this coming Saturday and another tough but
winnable match in the offing!