Northwich 33

Oldershaw 5

RFU South Lancs/Cheshire One

Saturday, January 13

NORTHWICH recorded their third league win in succession to pull further away from the relegation dog fight. In fact, if the team can build on the hard work and commitment of the past few weeks they could even challenge for a top three spot - the target set for coach Andy Manicom when he took over from Chris Brierley.

The Moss Farm men were far too good for a young and spirited Oldershaw side and could have won even more convincingly, leading from the fourth minute when winger Danny Lynch set up full back Steve Campbell for the opening try. Campbell failed to improve on his own try having already missed a 35-metre penalty.

Northwich had another chance minutes later when good work between backs and forwards put flanker Shaun Boyle in space 15 metres from the line, but he failed to find support and Oldershaw cleared.

Lynch was caught in two minds when covering a long kick and he gave the visitors a chance to get back into the game. However, after 10 minutes of pressure all they managed to do was miss an easy penalty.

The try that effectively killed off the game came when fly half Charles Wood made an interception and ran 55 metres to score under the posts. Campbell converted and added two penalties to give his side an 18-0 interval lead.

Huw Jones, who has been a prolific scorer for the 2nds and colts, came on at half-time for Lynch. He had to wait 10 minutes for his first touch, but when he came off the wing to latch on to a loose ball he ran in to score effortlessly on the opposite flank.

To their credit, Oldershaw stuck to their task and were rewarded with a try when their right winger chipped ahead to collect and score in the corner.

This was only a temporary setback as Northwich continued to dominate, lock forward Dave Briggs being their next scorer after good work from Campbell and Jones.

Campbell wasn't successful with the conversion but did slot over a couple of penalties before the final whistle.

All in all it was a satisfactory afternoon for the men in black and their senior debutants, the solid Graham Robinson at second row and Stuart Mills, a second half replacement for Mike Gallimore.

NORTHWICH 2nds lost 17-3 at Oldershaw, the 3rds went down 24-3 at home to Stockport.

On Saturday, Northwich 1sts and 3rds are at Warrington, 2nds at home, all kick-offs 2.30pm.