Bowdon 17 Northwich 50

NORTHWICH lost in the league for the first time this season against Altrincham in September.

Blacks tasted defeat in the next three games as well.

They have won eight successive matches in South Lancs/Cheshire Division One since, which means leaders Kersal’s visit to Moss Farm this weekend represents a chance to join the promotion race.

For the opening half-hour on Saturday afternoon, Northwich produced their best rugby of the campaign.

They led inside three minutes when Joel Barber teased Bowdon’s last defender towards him before passing inside for Robin Houghton to score.

Chris Dutoy added a first conversion of his 25-points haul.

Dutoy kicked a penalty after the hosts had been caught offside before Blacks scored again when Barber’s burst forward ended with a recycled ball being moved to Dutoy for a break between the posts.

A conversion duly followed.

In rampant mood, Northwich claimed a third try when Jack Watts collected Houghton’s kick forward to cross the whitewash.

He turned provider for Sione Tangi, supporting on his shoulder, to barge over a fourth try converted without fuss by Dutoy.

Sam Naylor caught the ball from the restart, launching an attack that concluded when Houghton – switched to centre in the absence of Richard Dale – sent in Barber to touch down.

Dutoy did the rest, establishing a 36-0 lead before a driving maul led to Bowdon’s first try of the contest

The pattern did not deviate after half time.

Northwich were awarded a penalty try, converted by Dutoy, after Naylor’s chase of Mike Gallimore’s well-executed kick had been cut short illegally.

Bowdon replied with a converted score, leading to an untidy spell during which both Tangi and Brotherton spent time in the sin bin.

The hosts picked up a loose ball to notch a third try on the blind side, but it was fitting that Northwich – and Dutoy – should complete the scoring when the fly half ran in Liam Gavin’s pass.

Northwich Cairns, Tangi, Brotherton, Smith, Gavin, Watts, James, Thyne, Gallimore, Dutoy, Houghton, Naylor, Simes, Barber, Elliott Replacements Cartman, Vaughan, Oultram Tries Dutoy (2), Houghton, Watts, Tangi, Barber Cons Dutoy (6) Pen Dutoy

Additional reporting by Steve Wood