Liverpool St Helens 38 Northwich 32

NORTHWICH could not prevent the league leaders from protecting their perfect record on Saturday, when their forwards’ superior power kept them in a high-scoring contest.

It is Blacks’ third defeat in five matches this season.

The hosts established an early lead when Dan Filson collected his own kick forward touch down, before converting his own score.

He kicked a penalty shortly afterwards.

Northwich skipper Chris Dale then limped off after straining a groin, although the visitors rallied to open their account when Richard Dale crossed the line following a decisive break by Joel Barber.

James Underhill added the extras.

Blacks’ pack then delivered a second try, stand-in skipper Chris James forcing his way over following a reset scrum.

Underhill’s conversion made it 14-10.

LSH responded with a try from Dan Webster after Darren Wilson and Andrew Rawshorne had combined, Filson’s kick increasing the home team’s advantage.

However an Underhill three-pointer, after a defender failed to release the ball under pressure, restored parity before the break.

The Moss Laners needed less than five minutes at the start of the second period to edge ahead again, this time Wilson charging to the line after pouncing on the ball following a lineout.

Filson converted, then LSH went further ahead after he collected Matty Johnston’s pass and raced clear.

Northwich did not give up, and they were rewarded at a scrum when James again powered over.

The home team had an answer though, this time a drive from prop Billy Murphy paving the way for Wilson to break through for a fifth try.

Filson’s extras left Blacks’ playing catch-up.

Determined not to return home empty-handed, Northwich laid siege to the hosts’ line.

And their strength up front paid dividend, earning the reward of a penalty try to clinch a bonus point.

Underhill’s penalty with time running out meant his side scored a second.

They occupy seventh place in the table, nine points adrift of their conquerors.

Manchester, third after four wins from their first five matches, visit Moss Farm this weekend, kick off 3pm.

Northwich Maddocks, Thompson, Grabski, Bradshaw, Farley, James, Heywood, Chris Dale, Poste, Underhill, Sam Naylor, Richard Dale, Houghton, Oultram, Barber Replacements Cartman, Lloyd, Eddy Naylor Tries James (2), Richard Dale Cons Underhill (3) Pens Underhill (2)