DEPLETED Northwich went down to a 35-14 defeat at Wilmslow after late holidays, work commitments and injury had left selection headaches.

Nevertheless, although the side lacked cohesion it showed massive commitment against a well-drilled Wilmslow outfit.

The deadlock was broken by a Wilmslow try towards the end of the first quarter.

The match continued to be a battle with the home side looking more assured and the Blacks playing with a cavalier spirit that often led to them making errors.

On the half hour Wilmslow struck again.

This time it was from a scrum from which the home side were able to move the ball wide.

The Blacks’ defence was over-committed and the subsequent gap exploited.

Some slick play produced another converted try and with half time approaching the visitors refused a number of kickable penalties to press for a try.

As an attack was built a cross field kick went wrong and the home side pounced on the ball to go the length of the pitch to score a third converted try bringing the half to a close.

Within five minutes of the restart the Blacks were dealt a body blow. A penalty gave Wilmslow an attacking lineout which, when secured they were able to drive across the line for a converted try.

The response from Northwich was positive and determined.

The makeshift back row lead by man of the match Jack Baille began to ask questions of the Wilmslow defence.

Along with strong running from Naylor and Davidson the blacks began a series of attacks on the Wilmslow line and following a sustained period of pressure the visitors were rewarded with a well deserved Baille try.

Baldwin added the extras and the blacks were on the board. During the final quarter Northwich picked up a second try.

Once again there was a sustained period of pressure but this time it was the ever improving Burmah who crossed the whitewash giving Baldwin an easy shot to convert. All substitutes were used with Kyle Clarke showing some real promise on his 1st XV debut.

The contest ended with a final try from the home side denying Northwich any chance of a bonus point.

Director of Rugby Martin Poste was disappointed with the result but delighted with the showing of some of the new boys.

Northwich travel to Altrincham Kersal on Saturday, 2.15pm

Northwich: 1 Mark Thompson, 2 Fraser Dodd, 3 Mike Bradshaw, 4 Chris Heywood,5 Patrick Fray, 6 Mike Gough, 7 Shaun Burmah, 8 Jack Ballie; 9 Matt Poste (Capt) 10 Nick Baldwin; 11 Tom Husbands, 12 Sam Naylor, 13 Scott Davidson, 14 Sam Kanya; 15 Joel Barber. 16 Joe Laddle, 17 Richard Hart,18 Kyle Clarke.