NORTHWICH adapted to torrid conditions better than their guests, and were rewarded with a victory.

A bonus-point eluded them, but a fourth win in five North One West matches leaves them third in the table.

Director of rugby Martin Poste was forced by absences to make changes, and promoted Callum Hulbert from the second team to the front row in the absence of John Dudley.

He performed admirably too.

Rain fell from the first minute at Moss Farm, making the pitch heavy.

However Blacks were more effective in retaining possession.

They assumed control, taking the lead after quarter of an hour after advancing into Blackburn’s 22.

Joel Barber eventually pierced the away team’s defence out wide after a series of phases following an initial lineout.

Nick Baldwin could not add any extras, and the contest became an arm-wrestle in the middle of the field.

Northwich added to their lead after Burn’s Joe Shorrock had been sent to the sin bin, scrum-half Matthew Poste crossing the line.

Baldwin successfully kicked a conversion this time to make it 12-0 at the interval.

The home team’s scrum and lineout was working effectively, and they could feel confident of further tries in the second period.

However Burn’s defence was resolute.

Baldwin landed a penalty five minutes after the restart, and those operating the scoreboard were not called into action again.

The visitors’ best spell followed, and they had more of the ball.

A charging run by Corey Logan took them to within 10 metres of the Northwich line, only for play to break down after his offload was spilled forward by a teammate.

Blackburn continued to apply pressure, but rarely threatened to mount a comeback.

Kyle Lindsay, playing at hooker, and Richard Dale – filling in as a flanker with Jonny English unavailable – both impressed for Northwich.

The former carried the ball with determination and aggression, while Dale recovered plenty of possession on the ground.

A trip to Manchester, who went down 32-0 at Warrington last weekend, awaits on Saturday.

Northwich | Hulbert, Lindsay, Bates, Farley, Heywood, Richard Dale, Naylor, Chris Dale, Poste, Baldwin, Skinkis, Reilly, Underhill, Houghton, Barber Replacements Du Randt, Thompson, Stirk Tries Barber, Poste Con Baldwin Pen Baldwin