MARTIN Poste saw improvement in Northwich’s performance last weekend during a draw with Blackburn, a result he says has given his side a timely boost.

The teams were tied at 32-32 when the final whistle sounded the end of a thrilling encounter that saw both teams let slip double-digit leads.

For Blacks, depleted by absences through injury, the end of a three-match losing run felt significant.

READ: Northwich 32-32 Blackburn: match report

“I couldn’t have asked for more,” said the director of rugby.

“The intensity was there, and commitment too, and we played with a little bit of style in parts.”

He will have feared the worst when the visitors established a 14-0 advantage inside 11 minutes, but Blacks recovered to lead by the break thanks to tries from Adam Bennett, debutant Tom Husband and Chris James.

In front 32-22 entering the final quarter, they were favourites to collect maximum points.

However their guests earned a deserved share of the spoils when they scored two tries.

Poste added: “We worked very hard during the week to get things right that I felt had gone awry.

“I wanted us to be stronger at the ruck, and to control the ball better.

“I felt we did that, and it’s no coincidence that Nick Baldwin at stand-off had more freedom to do his thing.”

READ: Northwich 32-32 Blackburn: talking points

Northwich sit 10th in North One West after five matches, winning one of those, and return to action when they travel to Stockport on Saturday week, October 13.

Their hosts are fourth, five points better off.

Poste added: “I wasn’t sure about having the first weekend in October off, but as it turns out we’ll be glad to draw breath.”