Glossop 15 Northwich 22

NORTHWICH’S recovery from a slow start to the season continues to gather pace following a sixth league win in succession.

Glossop, who beat Blacks home and away last season, did not gift them victory either.

The visitors did establish a lead during the early exchanges after winning the ball at a lineout.

It was recycled quickly for Richard Dale to finish, though he could not add the extras.

The hosts then took control thanks to a strong pack.

They held the ball for long periods, applying pressure to their guests’ defence.

When Northwich conceded a penalty on 17 minutes, Glossop claimed possession from the resulting lineout and drove over the line for a first try.

A conversion edged them ahead.

They extended that lead after half an hour when, with Northwich forward Sione Tangi in the sin bin, they chose a scrum close to the line following another penalty award.

Their scrum half darted through a gap to touch down during the following play.

Blacks attempted to get their backs into the contest, a tactic that brought dividend when Mike Gallimore charged forward and fed Robin Houghton in support.

His delicate kick invited Sam Naylor to collect and score.

Dale added a conversion to make it 12-12.

Northwich touched down again two minutes later, this time after Glossop had conceded a penalty that was kicked deep into their territory.

After securing ball at the lineout, the visitors switched play to Chris Dutoy who burst through the defence to claim a fine try.

Dale’s successful kick gave Blacks breathing space.

There were no further tries in the second half, during which Northwich were more competitive up front.

Glossop kicked a three-pointer to close the gap, but Dale replied in kind to make it 22-15.

It proved to be the final score of the contest, with Blacks holding out until full time.

They target a seventh straight victory in South Lancs/Cheshire Division One when Isle of Man outfit Douglas visit Moss Farm this Saturday, kick off 2pm.

Northwich Thompson, Tangi, Cairns, Harrison, Gavin, Watts, James, Vaughan, Gallimore, Dutoy, Houghton, Richard Dale, Naylor, Simes, Barber Replacements Kania, Cartman, Collins Tries Richard Dale, Naylor, Dutoy Cons Richard Dale (2) Pen Richard Dale