NORTHWICH thirds are closer to escaping the relegation zone after recording back-to-back wins in North West Intermediate League Division Four South.

A 38-15 victory against Heaton Moor seconds at Moss Farm on Saturday followed a slender success at Oswestry seconds’ expense before Christmas.

It leaves Blacks three points adrift of a position of safety ahead of a trip to back-markers Linley seconds this weekend.

Northwich seconds hope to end a sequence of successive defeats when they host their New Brighton counterparts on Saturday, while Winnington seconds entertain Broughton Park thirds in Division Three South.

Park have climbed to fourth place in the table following a run of six straight wins.

Their third team’s fortunes are contrasting following four defeats in a row, a sequence they were prevented from halting when Stockport fourths conceded last weekend.

Results, Saturday

North West Intermediate League Division Four South: Northwich 3rds 38 Heaton Moor 2nds 15.

Division Five South: Stockport 4ths conceded to Winnington Park 3rds.

Fixtures, this Saturday (2.15pm):

Division Two South: Northwich 2nds v New Brighton 2nds.

Division Three South: Winnington Park 2nds v Broughton Park 3rds.

Division Four South: Linley 2nds v Northwich 3rds.

Division Five South: Winnington Park 3rds v Bowdon 4ths.