NORTHWICH kicked off their return to league rugby with a defeat on the road.
They fell 40-19 to Sandbach in a lively Regional 2 North West season opener that marked the first league match under new head coach Cameron Neild.
Northwich made a fast start, scoring after just three minutes through a well-executed maul from a lineout, with Harry Naylor adding the conversion.
Sandbach responded quickly with a converted try following a defensive lapse in midfield.
Despite concerted pressure from Northwich over the next quarter of an hour, it was the home side who broke the deadlock with a second converted try.
The home team's confidence grew, and with 10 minutes left in the half, the home scrum-half broke from the base of the scrum and moved the ball quickly, leading to a third converted try, leaving Northwich with a 21-7 deficit at the break.
The second half mirrored the first, with early scores from both sides.
Sandbach secured their bonus point try, before Northwich replied through Ngarotata Enoka, who finished a cross-field kick from Joe Burns.
However, errors proved costly for Northwich, as Sandbach capitalised with two more tries in a decisive 10-minute spell.
Man of the match Njabulo Shabangu crossed for Northwich’s third try, converted by Tom Husbands, but a late push for a bonus point faded.
Northwich will look to bounce back when they host promoted Warrington on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
Northwich: Rory Leijdekkers, Jandre Van Zyl, Haraipha Mthembu, Sean Tigere, Kgopotso Matlena, Jack Owens, Harry Bennett, Njabulo Shabangu, Harry Naylor, Joe Burns, Ngarotata Enoka, Richard Dale, Jono Knipe, Tom Husbands, Hughwan Engelbrecht. Replacements: Paddy Douglas, Joe Stewart, Charlie Worsfold.
Meanwhile, Winnington Park were also beaten on the Regional 2 North West opening day, losing 54-38 against Burnage.
Park took the lead in the 17th minute through a try from Ross Morrin, converted by Cameron Flanagan.
Burnage quickly equalised, but Park regained the advantage with a converted try from Frank Gibbons.
The visitors fought back to lead 21-19 at half-time and extended their lead early in the second half.
Despite tries from debutant Lachlan Pethybridge and Robin Lowndes, Park were unable to close the gap.
Morrin completed his hat-trick late on, but Burnage sealed the win with a final try in the closing minutes.
Winnington Park: Jacob Halstein, Teddie McCaffery, Dan Davenport, Jack Williams, Charlie Dexter, Cameron Flanagan, Lachlan Pethybridge, Robin Lowndes, Ben Thorne, Matthew Treacy, Frank Gibbons, Harry Dodd, Joel Gaidan, Tom King, Ross Morrin, Ethan Prosser, Sam Lilley, James Wilkinson.
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