NORTHWICH won an ‘epic’ relegation play-off against West Park St Helens to ensure they will be playing in Regional 2 North West again next season.
At a sun-drenched Moss Farm, a large crowd gathered to see a match that none of the Northwich contingent wanted to see - a winner takes all fight to avoid relegation.
Blacks narrowly won in the league at West Park a fortnight earlier and this was another nailbiter that went down to the wire before the whistle blew on their 32-25 success.
There were four missing from the Northwich team that travelled to West Park, but the return of Rory Leijdekkers and Jack Owens provided a fillip for this crucial contest.
The first score came after just two minutes when Alex Speakman slotted a penalty for a no-arms tackle.
The visitors responded five minutes later with a converted try after an attacking scrum set up a good attack.
On the 15th minute following some sustained pressure Harry Bennett scored a try that was converted by Speakman.
Over the next 10 minutes WPSH regained the lead with two penalties, the first for not releasing and the second for a high tackle.
With five minutes of the half remaining Blacks regained the lead with a Jonny Pym try off the back of a well organised lineout.
Speakman added the extras and Northwich carried a four-point lead into the break.
An exchange of tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half ensured the high level of tension was maintained.
An unconverted try from Northwich followed by a converted try for the visitors led to a two-point gap going into the final 20 minutes.
On the 60th minute Tom Husbands provided some relief with a well taken penalty.
The next 10 minutes proved to be an anxious period as both sides did everything to take control.
However, it was Northwich who scored next through Leijdekkers who scored a converted try off the back of a well driven lineout.
With time ticking away WPSH reduced the lead to seven points with a try that went unconverted.
With just a few minutes to go and the scoreboard out of battery life the faithful were willing the referee to blow for full time which finally happened much to the relief of the home contingent.
This fight for survival was epic, and both teams left nothing on the pitch.
There were some stand-out performances from Richard Dale, Jack Owens, Tom White and man-of-the-match Morgan Slinger who worked tirelessly throughout the match.
Northwich will now take a well earned break.
