Just 3 matches played on this catch-up week-end and these managed to affect the promotion places as Wilmslow overturned a big first half Widnes lead to run out worthy winners. Leigh expected this week-end to be free. A stag night in Dublin robbed them of key players against Northwich who took full toll at Moss Farm. Resurgent Carlisle made it 4 wins from 5 in 2012 with a strong performance at Broughton Park.

Broughton Park 11-17 Carlisle
Park are playing much better recently but still unable to win. Carlisle however have changed out of all recognition from their Autumn performances and are now standing at 10 wins from 20 played. Paddy O'Donnell crossed for Park and two Jonny Thomas penalties were not enough to beat the Cumbrians on the day. The city side scored through overall pack domination, creating platform after platform for their back line. Matt Minett got the first try and Andrew Blaney the second. The ever trusty boot of Glen Weightman converted both tries and added a penalty. There are no easy matches in this league and, when we consider that Carlisle were rock bottom after the first quarter of the season, their current position is very creditable. For Park, it is going to be a long hard slog now. Another 8 points to come in this book-possibly 12 max. We can see 12 more for both Anselmians and Wigton but dont see Wirral (nor Wilmslow now) being in severe danger. That would leave Park & Anselmians fighting for survival. If Wigton get 4 more wins however, they could finish with 46.

Northwich 52-5 Leigh
With a good number of the Leigh regulars away in Dublin it was good to see their replacements competing very well in the first hour. Northwich went ahead with when Grant Hallam took a pass in space and dropped a goal. Hallam then added a penalty and, with an hour gone, defences were generally on top. In the final 10 minutes however Northwich went up a few gears as first Graham Robinson the home Number 8 scored from short range, and then Sam Naylor, Cass Walding and Joel Barber all ran in tries after splendid running rugby from backs and forwards alike. Two conversions by Hallum and Northwich were up 30-0 at half time with a bonus point taken. The Moss Farm faithful were full of expectations and they would not be disappointed. Northwich scores came with pleasing regularity and all three replacements were used. Barber and Walding both added second tries and Dan King and Chris James got onto the scoreboard. Big cheer went to Leigh's big Number 8 Calvin Crompton who took advantage of late, cavalier, Northwich offloading to cross wide out. Northwich go third.

Wilmslow 31-22 Widnes
Wilmslow were on the back foot for much of the first half with excellent play by the Widnes three quarters. Andrew Riley scored for the visitors after good work by his outside centre. Leadbetter converted. Within minutes Leadbetter had also crossed for Widnes after the Wilmslow forwards had been turned over. A further error by Wilmslow and a knock-on was punished severely when once again the Widnes centres made space and Paul Borg crossed for the third try. Wilmslows answer was two penalties from Bob MacCallum and the home side were 22-6 ahead and deservedly. The Widnes line were particularly quick to tackle the receiver and the referree started to rule that they were altogether too quickly up and gave one of several offside decisions in the home sides favour. Before the break the Wolves skipper was on hand to pinch ball from a line out and a couple of forward led phases later, eventually resulted in the backs moving the ball quickly along the line for full back Ben Day to score. The half closed with Wilmslow once again on the offensive and maybe starting to believe. With the second half wind at their backs, Widnes might have expected to build upon their lead but instead they started to make mistakes. A knock-on resulted in Tom Raynor going over for Wilmslow and then MacCallum kicked another penalty to pull the home side to within a point of their high flying visitors. A contentious decision to penalise Widnes gave MacCallum the opportunity to edge his team ahead. Then came a fine flowing move from the Wolves, started in their own half, that was finished gloriously by winger Raynor. Widnes connections later conceded that they were beaten by a slightly better team on the day.
Wilmslow move on to 39 points & leapfrog Wirral on points difference. Widnes drop to 4th.

Postscript to the Wilmslow game. If you are wondering what has happened to free scoring Chris Lillie (and you want to look into what this league faces next term) go to :-

http://www.salefc.com/news/comments/five-new-signings-unveiled