NORTHWICH seconds ended a sequence of five defeats in the North West Intermediate League when they edged out Chester thirds at Moss Farm on Saturday.

Brad Bates and Tom Boardman touched down the for the hosts, with Tom Sparkes adding a conversion.

Penalty kicks from Sparkes and Harley Aston secured an 18-13 success - only Blacks' second in Division Two South this season.

They remain in the table's bottom two, but only on points difference.

Winnington Park seconds, promoted last term, occupy fourth position in the same section following a slender 20-19 success against their Glossop counterparts at Burrows Hill.

Both Northwich and Winnington Park turn their attention back to the Brooke Edgley Specialist Technical Services Trophy this weekend, when they play second-round ties.

Blacks host Bowdon, while their neighbours head north to Kirkby Lonsdale.

In Division Four South, Northwich thirds could not prevent leaders Holmes Chapel from recording a seventh win from eight matches.

Stephen Connor touched down, converted by Steve Taylor, as Blacks replied to the hosts' swift start.

Jonty Whitby's try, again improved by Taylor, followed later in the contest after flurry of Chapel scores had already settled the outcome their way.

Park's Rhinos lost a high-scoring encounter with Helsby in Division Five South, succumbing 43-32.

They stay fourth in the standings, five points adrift of clubmates Winnington thirds in second spot.

Results

North West Intermediate League

Division Two South: Northwich 2nd 18 Chester 3rd 12; Winnington Park 2nd 20 Glossop 2nd 19

Division Four South: Holmes Chapel 59 Northwich 3rd 14

Division Five South: Helsby 43 Winnington Park 4th 32