NORTHWICH Rugby Club were under no illusions about the task in-hand when they visited league leaders Blackburn but the hosts only sealed their 33-21 win in stoppage time.

Tom White’s 70th-minute try led to the closing stages being played out at breakneck speed.

After a series of penalties as they pressured the Northwich line Blackburn eventually crossed the line following a strong maul, depriving Blacks of a losing bonus point they deserved.

Overall, it was a pleasing Northwich performance against the hugely ambitious Lancastrians who in the corresponding fixture last season scored 70 points while conceding just seven.

Blackburn proved to be just too strong but Blacks acquitted themselves well, none more so than man of the match Liam Batt.

From the start Blackburn showed their intent as they carried the ball with total confidence.

The Blacks defence was solid and committed, ensuring the home side would not get things all their own way.

Nevertheless, Blackburn drew first blood. An attacking scrum close to the visitors’ line followed by some strong carries provided the home side with a converted try.

Blacks took the initiative by refusing to kick a penalty, opting for a lineout instead. With the ball secured Northwich pressed for the line, eventually releasing Scott Davidson for a try that was converted by Nick Baldwin.

Blackburn regained the lead when they secured a lineout and went on a charge. Space appeared on the right wing for a well executed try.

The next score came from another lineout with the home side once again launching an attack and producing a converted try for a 21-7 lead.

The second half started with the visitors seeking to get back in touch.

Blacks started to apply pressure after securing a lineout. After a series of decisive carries Matt Lafeta stormed over the line, with Baldwin converting.

The response from the home side was swift as they cancelled out the Northwich score with a converted try of their own.

But White’s 70th-minute effort left the game in the balance until Blackburn’s last-gasp winning try.

Northwich visit Manchester on Saturday, kick-off 2.15pm.

Northwich: 1 Rory Leijdekkers 2 Jordan Clarke 3 Matt Lafeta 4 Chris Heywood 5 Tom White 6 Tom Clark 7 Andre Nell 8 Richard Dale 9 Liam Batt 10 Nick Baldwin11 Tom Husbands 12 Scott Davidson 13 Martin Austen 14 Jack Braithwaite 15 Joel Barber 16 Aaron Collins 17 Patrick Douglas 18 Mphatso Mwashi