NORTHWICH returned to winning ways 41-24 at home against their old adversaries Birkenhead Park.
They built a handsome 36-7 half-time lead which paved the way for victory, keeping them sixth in Regional 2 North West just a point behind Vale of Lune and Widnes.
Those in attendance were treated to a 10-try feast that would have left the neutrals thoroughly entertained and the faithful sometimes scratching their heads.
The coaching team were left with some headaches due to injuries and absenteeism.
They were able to provide a debut for Thansville Mayman and welcome back Alex Speakman and Nat Stafford.
The switch from front row to number eight for Rory Leijdekkers proved inspirational as he produced a man-of-the-match performance.
The match commenced with both sides trying to secure dominance.
However, it was the home side that drew first blood when Leijdekkers made a decisive break feeding the supporting Mayman to score on his debut.
Speakman added the extras to give Blacks a lead after eight minutes.
Soon after, Tom Husbands collected the ball deep in the Northwich half. He subsequently passed to Juan Smit who beat all the would-be tacklers to score a fine try that went unconverted.
On the 25th minute Northwich mounted a great attack leading to Jack Owens breaking a tackle to score a try which Speakman converted.
The home side were on top at this point and with BP trying to clear their line Toby Moss pounced on a loose ball to score an opportunist try that again was improved and rewarded Blacks with a bonus point.
In-form Gihard Visagie chipped the ball and released Tim Balogun for another seven points in the 35th minute.
With the interval approaching, Northwich were awarded a penalty for a high tackle and Speakman slotted the kick for a 36-0 lead.
Just before the break, BP had a penalty which they kicked into the corner and a well-controlled maul produced a converted try that brought the half to a close.
The second stanza was a stalemate until the 65th minute when BP scored their second try which went unconverted.
Five minutes later another attacking lineout for the visitors delivered another well executed maul and a converted try.
At this point the faithful were beginning to get a little nervous.
This was until a Northwich lineout and maul resulted in a well deserved try for the excellent Tom Clark.
With the last play of the match BP scored an unconverted bonus-point try to bring a pulsating match to a conclusion and lead into a one-week break to recover from the knocks.
Northwich travel to Vale of Lune on Saturday, November 22, kick-off 2.15pm.
