Northwich 40 Anselmians 9

THE final score suggests otherwise, but Northwich trailed in this campaign curtain-raiser at half time.

Five of their six tries followed the interval, before which they had struggled for a rhythm against determined opponents.

Simon Mason kicked a hat-trick of penalties for the visitors to Moss Farm, a merited reward for them forcing Blacks to make mistakes.

The hosts’ reply, when a slick passing move sent Jack Watts racing towards the line to touch down for Chris Dutoy to convert, was a rare flash of coherence.

Northwich rode their luck too, for Anselmians had a try incorrectly chalked off when an unsighted match official didn’t spot that Mason had grounded the ball close to the posts.

Blacks made the most of their fortune, edging ahead for the first time shortly after the interval when Dalian Wilson’s burst started a move that ended with skipper Chris Dale crossing the line.

Dutoy added the extras to make it 14-9.

Player coach Sam Naylor switched to centre when Mike Gallimore was introduced, a move that assisted Blacks to assume control.

The replacement went over following a series of forward carries, again converted by Dutoy.

A training pitch move paid off to deliver the home team’s next try, Dale picking up from a scrum to feed Gallimore who in turn put in Joel Barber.

Dutoy did the rest to secure a bonus point.

Now playing with freedom, John Brotherton and Gallimore exchanged passes to provide James Elliott with a pathway to score under the posts.

Dutoy remained reliable with the boot, though Elliott’s afternoon ended early after he injured an eye following contact with an opponent as he touched down.

Barber’s second try of the contest completed the scoring, this time after Rhys Edwards’ break – and an interchange with Wilson – had created an opening.

Northwich Thompson, Brotherton, Hulbert, Heywood, Oultram, Watts, Chris Dale, Elliott, Naylor, Dutoy, Edwards, Richard Dale, Chubb, Wilson, Barber. Replacements Cartman, Hart, Gallimore. Tries Barber (2), Watts, Chris Dale, Gallimore, Elliott. Cons Dutoy (5).