IT is nine years since Northwich won a league title.

And if they are to repeat the trick, then they must beat Winnington Park this weekend – something they failed to do on the opening day of the season in September.

Blacks’ director of rugby, Martin Poste, admits he is still smarting from that defeat.

Saturday provides an opportunity to put that right; if his side wins at Burrows Hill, they will be promoted from South Lancs/Cheshire Division One as champions.

A 62-0 win against Wigan last time out, their 18th in a sequence that started in October, leaves them 11 points clear of West Park.

“We didn’t know it then, but that game is part of the reason we’re on this run now.

“That’s going to help us, because the boys will be focused on not letting that happen again.

“It’s a derby, so there’s added spice – we expect that.

“There is a bigger picture too, and we want to get over the line as soon as possible. If that’s after this game, then great.”

Northwich were relegated from Midlands One West three years ago after winning only five matches.

They had requested a move sideways from the Northern Division following five attempts at securing promotion to the National League, going closest back in 2010.

Poste, appointed last summer, has that as a long-term aim.

But such talk is banished from the changing room.

He added: “We’ve been merciless in the past few weeks, and need to be for a bit longer.

“It’s a big game against Winnington, and we’re a very different team now to the one that took to the field that day.

“The fixture list has given us a chance to achieve what we’ve been working towards by beating them at their place, and that’s just one of those things that happens in sport.

“I’d be made up for the guys that come to watch us week in, week out, if we can give them the joy that comes with winning a title.

“They’re as excited as I am, and are loving the atmosphere around the place.”

He hopes to select from a full complement of players against Park, including centre James Reilly who is available again.

Kick off is at 3pm.