With a stiff wind blowing of the Irish Sea and straight across the pitch, from the kick off control and territory were always going to be key. Southport had the best of the opening exchanges, putting C&N under pressure and eventually giving away an easy penalty for holding on that Southport took the points from.

C&N soon had their own chance of points though, as Southport reciprocated with a penalty that Joe Waterhouse put between the posts to level the score at 3 – 3

With kicks and passes being blown around the park, the game progressed like a new learner driver, wobbling and jerking from lineout to scrum. Southport took advantage of their possession to get the next score, getting the ball through hands to score out on the wing. With the extras missed they lead 8 – 3 but C&N were still in the game.

Controlling territory and possession, C&N carried hard with the forwards up the field to get in range for a pick and go, Jordan Pepper was never going to be stopped and with Joe taking the extras C&N lead 8 – 10 at the break.

Coming out for the second half, C&N planned on keeping control and playing in the Southport half. This was all going to plan with C&N well placed, until the bounce of the ball went Southport’s way and they ran the length to score, with the extras taken they lead 15 – 10 and had the advantage of a sin bin against C&N.

Once again though, C&N took the game to Southport and clever kicking pushed them back on too their own line. As Southport worked to clear the ball, a charge down from Olly Griffiths was pounced on by Luke Thomas, with the extras well taken by Joe C&N lead 15 – 17

With time running down, a wind assisted lineout throw that went way of line into Southport’s hands went unnoticed on this occasion, and when a penalty against C&N was then awarded for not rolling away it was seen as a little harsh. The subsequent yellow card and sin bin was seen as harsher.

Southport kicked well to take the points and lead by one. With the game nearly over an aggrieved C&N were encouraged into an exchange of views with Southport that saw the clock run down and Southport kick out for the win by 18 – 17

A great game of rugby followed a great time in the club after, we thank Southport RUFC for their hospitality and wish them well for the rest of their season.