AN 80th-minute try denied Northwich a win in a fiercely contested draw.
They were held to a 12-12 stalemate at Birkenhead Park in Regional 2 North West.
Squad rotation meant a few changes to the previous week's line-up, with Harry Naylor, Sean Tigre, Hughwan Engelbrecht and Bobi Smyth coming in as well as debutant Jason Makhari.
Blacks were under no illusion as to the task ahead of them and so it proved in a full-on contest, with both defences proving to be the story of the match.
Park struck first after 12 minutes when an attacking scrum led to a Northwich infringement, resulting in a penalty try.
Northwich responded with sustained pressure and a series of attacking lineouts.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 32nd minute when captain Rory Leijdekkers crashed over from a driven lineout, with Harry Naylor adding the conversion to level the scores.
The second half continued in the same vein, with both sides displaying strong defensive organisation and physical commitment.
Northwich edged ahead in the 50th minute following a well-worked move that saw the ball shifted wide to debutant Jason Makhari, who finished in the corner.
The conversion was missed, leaving Northwich 12-7 in front.
Defences remained on top for much of the half, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities.
Birkenhead Park piled on the pressure in the final 10 minutes, testing Northwich’s resilience.
The visitors held firm until the 80th minute when the hosts finally broke through.
Releasing the ball from a maul, Birkenhead Park’s winger found space in the corner to score and level the match.
Northwich's last scoring chance ended with a penalty conceded near the Park line.
Northwich: Haraipha Mthembu, Rory Leijdekkers, Jandre Van Zyl, Sean Tigre, Kgopotso Matlena, Cameron Neild, Harry Bennett, Njabulo Shabangu, Harry Naylor, Jason Makhari, Jono Knipe, Joe Burns, Toby Moss, Alex Wood, Hughwan Engelbrecht. Replacements: Jack Owens, Bobi Smyth, Ngarotata Enoka.
On Saturday Northwich entertain Burnage, kick-off 2.15pm.
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