Northwich 34 Glossop 13

LIAM Gavin’s superb solo try was a highlight for Northwich as they made certain of a top three finish by beating Glossop at the weekend.

A defeat for fourth-placed Winnington Park at title favourites Altrincham Kersal means they cannot now catch their neighbours in the remaining matches of the campaign.

Gavin’s score, after catching the ball in the hosts’ own 22, came during Blacks’ best spell of the match in the second period.

They had dominated the first half, only for the teams to be tied at 10-10 by the break.

Northwich led inside five minutes when Jack Watts, after picking up the ball from a scrum, launched a drive at Glossop’s defence.

He passed to fit-again Richard Dale, who stayed upright despite being tackled before touch down.

A second try followed Antony Keller collected a kick and supplied Watts.

He invited Dale forward, the utility back timing perfectly a pass to Sam Naylor who crossed the whitewash.

Glossop reduced their arrears with a penalty after Blacks were caught offside, then claimed a try out wide in added time.

A successful conversion levelled the score.

Northwich replied with four unanswered tries after the interval, though only after their guests had kicked another three-pointer.

Michael Gallimore’s break ended with Watts stepping inside to score as the home team edged ahead again, this time boosted by Dale’s conversion.

From the restart, Gavin’s charge forward left every would-be tackler in his wake as he ran 80 metres to score.

Watts doubled his personal tally shortly afterwards, this time after Gavin had combined with Dale who made a decisive break before slipping a pass his teammate’s way.

Hard-working forward John Brotherton was rewarded with a try in the closing stages after front row partner Sione Tangi and then Dale had carried the ball towards the visitors’ line. Dale converted.

Northwich visit Douglas this Saturday. 

Northwich Cairns, Brotherton, Tangi, Smith, Gavin, James, Naylor, Watts, Houghton, Richard Dale, Davies, Barber, Bellis, Keller, Gallimore Replacements Thompson, Harrison, Oultram Tries Watts (2), Richard Dale, Naylor, Gavin, Brotherton Cons Richard Dale (2)

Additional reporting by Steve Wood