Northwich 40 Liverpool St Helens 7
THIS was as comprehensive as the score suggests and, after 10 successive wins, Northwich can now believe the league title is well within their reach.
They are level on points with West Park at the table’s summit but, perhaps more crucially, they are six clear of their opponents on Saturday.
Even if LSH, who host their St Helens neighbours next, win a game in hand they cannot overtake Blacks.
- Northwich - fixtures and results
- LSH 38-32 Northwich - previous meeting this season
- Northwich 3-20 LSH - last season's corresponding fixture
It is hard to believe that Martin Poste’s men lost three of their first five fixtures.
They took the lead after eight minutes at Moss Farm on Saturday, when James Underhill danced around the final defender after Chris James had wrestled back possession for the hosts.
LSH responded and, after opting for a lineout following a penalty award, they then drove to the line to open their account.
A successful conversion edged them in front.
Underhill kicked a penalty to make it 8-7, and stalemate ensued.
Northwich did add to their tally before the break, when Chris Bradshaw charged over with a trademark burst and Underhill’s extras established a one-score advantage.
Recent recruit Nick Baldwin assumed kicking duty in the second period after Underhill suffered a knock, and he slotted a pair of three-pointers before the hour mark.
A third Northwich try followed, this time after Chris Dale fed the ball to Matthew Poste following a scrum in Blacks’ half.
He sent Joel Barber through a gap and, after the full-back’s assist to Robin Houghton went to ground, he improvised a kick before winning a foot-race to the loose ball.
After he touched down, Baldwin converted.
The home team secured a bonus point in controversial circumstances, Sam Naylor darting over after LSH had stopped expecting a Northwich lineout to be recalled.
It was not, and Baldwin’s kick ended any hopes the visitors had of a comeback.
The scoring was completed with six minutes left, Barber prompting another sprint finish when he kicked ahead.
Wide man Andy Outram was first to the ball, and crossed the whitewash.
Northwich still have work to do and Manchester, their hosts this Saturday, will be desperate to avenge a 59-19 thrashing at Moss Farm in October.
Kick off is at 2.15pm.
Northwich Grabski, James, Maddocks, Farley, Bradshaw, Naylor, Heywood, Chris Dale, Poste, Underhill, Reilly, Baldwin, Outram, Houghton, Barber Replacements Cartman, Vaughan, Thompson Tries Underhill, Bradshaw, Houghton, Naylor, Outram Cons Underhill, Baldwin (2) Pens Underhill, Baldwin (2)
Additional reporting by Steve Wood
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