Tyldesley 15 Northwich 23

NORTHWICH continue to plot a course towards a promotion play-off following a routine victory, their 10th in succession, on Saturday.

It leaves Blacks five points better off than third-placed Anselmians, conquerors of Douglas at the weekend, with three matches left.

They trailed inside five minutes in Greater Manchester when a loose ball from a ruck was pounced upon by the hosts who played in their winger.

A second try followed midway through the first half, this time when a kick towards the line prompted a mix-up between winger Andy Chubb and full back Robin Houghton that ended with neither grounding the ball. Tyldesley’s task to score was simple.

It jolted Northwich into action.

A solid scrum allowed Gareth Davies to send the backs on their way, and player coach Sam Naylor fed Houghton to claim a try. Richard Dale added the extras.

He slotted a penalty to make it 10-10, only for Tyldesley to edge ahead again when they notched an interception try.

Naylor broke clear of the home team’s defence to haul Northwich level for a second time, Dale’s conversion edging them ahead.

He made sure of victory in the second period with two penalty kicks, though the afternoon ended on a negative note when replacement Jack Last was taken to hospital after suffering a back injury.

Northwich Cartman, James, Kingi, Heywood, Farley, Watts, Chris Dale, McKibbin, Davies, Underhill, Naylor, Richard Dale, Chubb, Gallimore, Houghton. Replacements Thompson, Hart, Last. Tries Houghton, Naylor Cons Richard Dale (2). Pens Richard Dale (3).