West Park St Helens 21 Northwich 28
TWO debutants figured in a fourth successive Northwich win achieved despite more bad luck with injuries.
Joe Rossall and John Harrison, the son of former first teamer Ted, were called up for a South Lancs/Cheshire Division One encounter ultimately settled by an interception try.
Perhaps becoming adept at adjustments through injury this season, two early reshuffles did not hinder Northwich, who were 21-0 in front after 48 minutes.
Joel Shields had even withdrawn five minutes before kick off with a hamstring issue, throwing Chris James into the fray for the first time since August.
Then Grayson Thyne limped off with an ankle problem sustained in scoring a second-minute try, with Mike Gallimore replacing him.
Three penalties converted by Richard Dale extended the Blacks lead to 16-0 during a half of controlled Northwich rugby.
When Jack Watts crossed from an attacking scrum Blacks seemed to have an unassailable lead.
Northwich were caught out as the home side crossed from a quick tap penalty and conceded again four minutes later after failing to clear and getting caught in possession.
With 15 minutes left, things looked shaky but, from a forced pass as the home side pressed, Robin Houghton intercepted and ran 50 metres for a converted score that settled the outcome.
Park pinned back Northwich for the remainder of the tussle and bagged a consolation converted try.
Northwich visit Crewe and Nantwich in the Cheshire RFU Vase on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.
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