NORTHWICH welcomed old advisories Burnage to Moss Farm under no illusion that it would be a challenge of immense proportions.

In the end, Blacks were defeated 18-13 by high-flying opponents who arrived full of confidence and optimism, expecting a comfortable afternoon.

The coaching staff were able to select the same squad as the previous week except for the in-form Jonny Pym who was a late withdrawal.

Northwich started the brighter of the two teams.

Within three minutes they took the lead with a Harry Naylor penalty awarded for not releasing at the ruck.

On the 10th minute the Blacks lead was extended.

An attacking lineout was secured, and the home side drove for the line.  As they broke from the maul the ball was passed to Paddy Douglas who drove over the line for a try that was converted by Harry Naylor.

The intensity was high as both sides showed commitment in attack as well as defence.

The next 15-minutes were a stalemate, with Burnage fighting to get back on terms.

It was from a Burnage attack that the next score came.

With the visitors running out of options they kicked deep into the Blacks half.

Northwich failed to deal with the kick effectively and a kind bounce gave Burnage an easy run-in for an unconverted try.

Five minutes later Burnage took the lead.

From a scrum they were able to launch an attack and a lapse in the Northwich defence led to a try close to the posts.

The extras were added, and the visitors took a two-point lead.

The remaining 10 minutes of the half belonged to the defences, with tackling of the highest order.

Nevertheless, there was no further score in the half and Burnage maintained their two-point advantage going into the break.

The second half proved to be intriguing if not exciting.

The commitment and ambition of both teams was evident especially in defence.

The Blacks forwards took the game to Burnage and were rewarded on the 48th minute with a penalty courtesy of Naylor.

However, this lead only lasted two minutes when Northwich were caught offside, and Burnage struck a penalty of their own.

With Northwich giving everything to get back on terms they failed to release in the tackle and the visitors slotted another penalty with just a few minutes remaining.

Northwich increased the pressure on Burnage and save for some excellent defence could have edged this contest.

However, the final whistle came, and Blacks had to settle for a single bonus point for their efforts.

Despite the defeat the coaching team were pleased with this performance, with notable contributions from Zac Richardson, Aaron Collins, Paddy Douglas and man-of-the-match Oscar Malic.

No doubt this weekend’s break in league competition will be welcomed providing the opportunity for the aching limbs to recover ahead of travelling to Winnington Park the following Saturday, kick-off 3pm.