WIGAN were better than the result suggests, but they still became the latest side to be steamrollered at Moss Farm.

Northwich ran in 10 tries to extend a winning sequence in the league to 18 matches, closing to within four points of securing promotion to North One West as champions.

A victory across the fence this weekend against Winnington will be enough to finish first.

Blacks needed more than quarter of an hour to break through an organised defence, Richard Dale beating his opposite number on the right to score in the corner.

A second try followed after the home team turned over a scrum, moving the ball to the left where Robin Houghton stepped inside the last man to touch down.

Nick Baldwin converted.

Dale collected a kick on 33 minutes, and possession moved through the hands of Joel Barber and Anthony Davies who supplied a pass for Baldwin to score.

A fourth try, which clinched a bonus-point, arrived before the break when an interchange between Chris James and Baldwin created on opening for James Underhill.

Baldwin added the extras.

Northwich increased their lead after the interval when Sam Naylor’s charge forward ended with an assist for Barber, who sprinted to the line.

Wigan were punished for their sloppiness when a clearance kick went straight to Barber, who returned it to score next to the posts.

Baldwin completed the conversion.

Joe Maddocks and replacement Michael Bradshaw combined in the build-up to Blacks’ next try, claimed by Chris Heywood after Underhill had been tackled close to the whitewash.

Baldwin was again on target.

The scoreboard needed updating again after the ball was recycled at a ruck, Baldwin’s handling allowing him to feed Davies.

A successful kick followed.

An attempt by Wigan to rally was foiled when a fumble gifted Underhill with a second try, again improved by Baldwin.

The contest ended as it had begun, with Dale dotting down in the corner for the hosts.

A promotion they have chased since being relegated three years ago is now within reach.

Northwich | Maddocks, James, Grabski, Farley, Smith, Heywood, Harrison, Naylor, Poste, Underhill, Richard Dale, Baldwin, Houghton, Davies, Barber Replacements Chris Dale, Vaughan, Michael Bradshaw Tries Richard Dale (2), Underhill (2), Barber (2), Houghton, Baldwin, Heywood, Davies Cons Baldwin (6)

Additional reporting by Steve Wood