WITH the Rugby Football Union suspending matches amid the coronavirus outbreak, Northwich and Winnington Park will be out of action for the foreseeable future.

Acting upon Government advice, the RFU has halted the game at all levels until April 14 at the earliest.

Both sides were able to play one final game before their league programme was stopped, with Northwich running out 40-10 winners over Penrith at Moss Farm.

Blacks had a four-try bonus point wrapped up before the break as Chris Dale, Phil Williams, Joe Maddocks and Scott Davidson crossed, with Nick Baldwin adding three conversions.

Richard Dale and Tom Husbands scored tries after the interval, both of which were converted by Baldwin, as Martin Poste’s side sit third in the North One West.

Park were up against it as their depleted squad took on North Two West high-flyers Manchester.

They may have been beaten 36-5 – with Lewis Gibson scoring their only try – but the result was immaterial for coach Matt Farr.

"The score did not matter in this match – we knew we would be up against it playing the top side who are in form,” he said.

“What mattered was the team spirit which has been missing these past few weeks.

“The lads rallied today for each other and the front row had a storming game, all carrying injuries but played to ensure the club were not deducted points.

“We again played three 18-year-old players who are developing in the senior game and they played well, particularly Alex Burrage and a great try for Lewis Gibson."