Northwich 53 Hoylake 12

NORTHWICH ran in eight tries against Hoylake to record their biggest success of the season, extending a winning sequence in the league to five matches.

Blacks closed the gap on third-placed Winnington Park to seven points as a reward, with their neighbours due to host unbeaten leaders Altrincham Kersal next.

Richard Dale’s penalty opened the hosts’ account on Saturday, but the South Lancs/Cheshire Division One back-markers replied with a converted score.

Awarded a penalty following a shoulder charge, they kicked for touch.

A strong maul from the resulting lineout proved too much for Northwich to resist.

Blacks had to wait until the half-hour mark to respond, Jack Watts carrying the ball towards the heart of Hoylake’s defence before off-loading to John Brotherton who in turn fed Chris James to score.

They added to their advantage shortly afterwards when Joel Barber stole possession from the visitors before sprinting 50 metres to touch down between the posts.

Dale converted to make it 15-7 before play coach Sam Naylor claimed the first of a hat-trick of tries after a recycled ball was sent in his direction. Dale’s extras followed.

A bonus point was secure when Dale’s break, after Blacks had won the ball at a lineout, ended with a clever pass for Dorian Simes to breach Hoylake’s defence once more.

Dale increased his personal tally with another successful kick.

In rampant mood, Northwich passed a half-century of points with three further scores.

First, Naylor crossed.

Robin Houghton’s opportunist try came next before the outstanding Watts got on the scoresheet.

Hoylake’s determination earned them an unconverted consolation try before Simes returned a favour from earlier in the contest to send in Naylor who offered support after the full back had broken the line.

Dale’s conversion capped an emphatic victory.

Northwich Thompson, Tangi, Cairns, Harrison, Gavin, Watts, James, Elliott, Houghton, Richard Dale, Naylor, Barber, Gallimore, Kania, Simes Replacements Brotherton, Baker, Vaughn Tries Naylor (3), James, Barber, Simes, Houghton, Watts Cons Richard Dale (5) Pen Richard Dale