SAM Naylor has challenged Northwich to banish the memory of one of the club’s worst ever seasons by being promoted.

Blacks travel to Bolton on Saturday to take part in a play-off after finishing second in South Lancs/Cheshire Division One.

It keeps them on course to return to a higher level at the first attempt after being demoted from step six of the rugby pyramid last year.

“Let’s finish the job now,” said Naylor, the Moss Farm-based club’s chairman.

“Quietly we hoped to bounce back as quickly as possible, though we didn’t know how everybody would react after what was an annus horribilis for us last season.

“I always felt we had a chance, though one of two of the other committee members have taken some persuading.

“We’ve got ourselves into a great position, but there’s still work to do.”

Northwich were runners-up to New Brighton, setting up a winner-takes-all encounter with a team that occupied the equivalent position in North Lancs/Cumbria.

It is a prospect that appeared remote at the turn of the year, when Blacks were placed eighth in the table.

Naylor said: “We knew we had a decent squad at the start of the season, but it took a while for things to settle and for the lads to understand what the management team wanted to see on the pitch.

“The potential has always been there, though it’s taken time for it to be realised.

“Success breeds success, now they’re on a roll with confidence sky high.”

To read a preview of Saturday's game, click here: http://bit.ly/1k0n5dT