NORTHWICH were defeated 32-13 by Douglas on the Isle of Man on Saturday.
It has been some years since Northwich met Douglas in league competition.
When the fixtures were published there was a significant interest from the faithful Blacks supporters to make the journey to support the team.
There was a suspicion that this was more about sampling the delights of Douglas than the rugby.
And following the disappointing result at the hands of the islanders a night on the town was certainly in order.
Northwich were buoyed by the return of Richard Dale and the inclusion of new boy Tshipane Mthembu, giving an air of optimism for the contest.
Any complacency was quickly dashed as an early driving lineout led to an unconverted try and first blood to Douglas.
Blacks were then dealt a massive blow as Dale was forced to leave the field of play with an arm injury, bringing Jack Owens to replace.
Ten minutes into the match the home lead was pegged back with a penalty from man-of-the-match Harry Naylor.
Douglas extended their lead with a converted try from another driven lineout in the 30th minute.
At this point Douglas were in the driving street and Northwich seemed to be still on the plane.
Mthembu went on a charge forcing a penalty that was converted by Naylor but Douglas replied in kind to lead 18-6 at the interval.
Anthony Keller entered the fray and at one point it looked like he had scored a try only for the pass to be judged forward.
With 20 minutes remaining there was more uncharacteristic defensive lapses leading to an unconverted try for the home side.
A decisive break by Naylor led to a quick tap penalty, the ball was fed to Curtis Finnigan who finished off with a great try.
The match was delayed by 11 minutes as a nasty clash of heads required two of the Douglas players to leave the field.
Naylor was finally able to kick the conversion and give the visitors a glimmer of hope.
From a lineout the ball was secured, and Northwich drove for the line.
However, the ball went loose, and Douglas took full advantage scoring a converted try.
Northwich host league leaders Firwood Waterloo on Saturday, kick-off 2.15pm.
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